Michael Owen “can see Newcastle scoring” against Man Utd on Monday but still thinks Ralf Rangnick’s men will beat the Geordies.
The Red Devils have not played since December 11 due to a Covid-19 outbreak at their training ground and had Premier League games against Brentford and Brighton postponed.
They are set to return to action against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday, however, and Owen is predicting a 2-1 victory for Man Utd.
Gossip: Man Utd set to spend £60m as Rangnick eyes ‘German super-kid’
“This is one of my favourite fixtures and St James’ Park will be noisy for this one. Newcastle continue to struggle, mainly at the back,” Owen told BetVictor.
“I’ve said all season that I don’t worry about the goals in this side, Callum Wilson is a natural goal scorer, but they need to improve defensively.
“They’ve been in a difficult run of fixtures though, and things will get easier from now. I’m very interested to see how Man United perform.
“There’s been some signs of change from the new boss in terms of pressing and how he wants them to play. He’s had some time with the squad to get more of his ideas across and it will be fascinating to see how they play.
“With the home fans behind them, I can see Newcastle scoring. I don’t trust them at the back though and United will score a couple of their own.”
When it’s the winning goal, who cares how it goes in?
@MarcusRashford#MUFC | #GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/i9arDTvSp6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 25, 2021
Meanwhile, former Man Utd striker Owen reckons Arsenal are in for a comfortable afternoon at Carrow Road on Boxing Day when they take on Norwich City.
Owen added: “After a good start to his tenure, Dean Smith has seen his side struggle in their last few games.
“The one positive I suppose, is that this the last of the harder games for him. Norwich’s next few after this are more winnable and will go a long way in determining their future.
“Arsenal continue to get better and better and are possibly the ones to beat for that 4th spot. Every time I watch them it’s the youngsters who take my eye, Saka, Smith Rowe and Odegaard.
“I also really like what I’m seeing from Martinelli in recent weeks. He’s got great energy; his movement is fantastic, and he seems to have a knack for scoring goals. Trust me, you can’t buy that!
“This should be comfortable for Arsenal.”
The post Owen ‘can see Newcastle scoring’ as he makes Man Utd prediction appeared first on Football365.