Greenwood to upstage Ronaldo's Man Utd return
Cristiano Ronaldo's hugely anticipated return to where his rise to stratospheric stardom began will see the Portuguese talisman start up top for Ole Gunnar Solskjær's charges. Newcastle United, almost forgotten in the millions of words dedicated to Saturday afternoon's spectacle, are in dire need of a shot in the arm, with the club issuing a statement during the international break, defending the Toon Army's lack of incoming summer transfer window activity. Steve Bruce knows all about Ronaldo's efficacy, but will do well to not forget the supporting cast members, especially Mason Greenwood. Read our preview here:
The master and the apprentice
The international break hasn't been particularly kind to the treatment table at Old Trafford, and even the likes of Jadon Sancho, carrying a knock from his time with England, won't be risked at the outset. Elsewhere, the cacophony over whether Premier League clubs can use Brazilian players this weekend will probably rule out Fred, which might mean a rare start for Donny van de Beek, who went public with his frustrations over a lack of playing time for the Red Devils earlier in the week. Usual pivot partner in crime Scott McTominay is also a huge doubt, but inevitably, all of the focus has been on Ronaldo. With Marcus Rashford requiring shoulder surgery, and Anthony Martial continually overlooked (for club, not country), his presence up front from the first whistle is assured. However, Mason Greenwood's form and finishing are also of note, and the space he's likely to be afforded drifting in from the right flank will cause havoc.
Maximum Saint-Maximin
Bruce continues to cut a very frustrated figure, and, despite many vociferous supporters never taking to him being at the St. James' Park helm, a small degree of sympathy has been extended in his direction as the ire over more stagnation is once again wholly on Mike Ashley. On the pitch, Newcastle have gained one point and conceded an alarming eight from their opening three league matches, and neither of those stats are likely to improve by 17:00 on Saturday. That's not to say that they don't have threats - Callum Wilson, if fit, will be a thorough test of Raphaël Varane and Harry Maguire, with the roving of Joe Willock in behind him also a cause for concern to a makeshift defensive midfield partnership. French trickster Allan Saint-Maximin is the player who can do the most damage in black and white, and his dribbling skills can help relieve the pressure on a very ordinary backline.
Ever-Greenwood
Greenwood has had an excellent start to 2021/2022, and rivals Ronaldo in terms of finishing ability. Whilst all the attention will continue to be lavished on the latter, the youngster will be hoping that translates tactically, too. Casumo have odds of 5.50 for the England international to strike first.
