Due to the hamstring injury picked up by Newcastle midfielder Vurnon Anita a few days ago, out-of-form anchorman Cheick Tiote could return to United’s starting eleven this weekend.
According to the Chronicle, Steve McClaren will more than likely hand the Ivorian midfielder a chance to impress when the Magpies travel to the Emirates on Saturday.
Newcastle reportedly turned down a summer bid from Turkish giants Galatasaray for Tiote, and Steve McClaren wants the 29-year-old to remain on Tyneside.
In McClaren’s pre-match press conference this week, the former England manager said he is “paddling like mad” to keep the Toon’s ship on a steady track.
Speaking to the Chronicle, McClaren said:
“Believe me, under the surface, I am paddling like mad.”
“But we have a little bit more information than everyone else. We know what we have got and what we are trying to do.”
We feel as if we are getting there after a tough start.
“That is the first half of the season gone. 2015 is about to end – good! We cannot wait for the next year.”
