Newcastle v Man Utd teams
Alex Ferguson pairs returning striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with Wayne Rooney in attack as his side looks to get the season back on track at Newcastle.
The Dutchman and the man the Magpies tried to lure to St James’ Park in August are just two of 10 changes to the side that knocked Crystal Palace out of the Carling Cup midweek, with skipper Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Cristiano Ronaldo among those recalled and only Darren Fletcher retained.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness dispenses with Andy O’Brien from the team that started against Chelsea on Wednesday night to restore the fit-again Stephen Carr and Lee Bowyer.
That means that the central defensive partnership of Titus Bramble and former United man Ronny Johnsen is retained for a vital game.
Newcastle: Given, Carr, Bramble, Johnsen, Bernard, Bowyer, Butt, Jenas, Bellamy, Shearer, Kluivert. Subs: O’Brien, Dyer, Harper, Ameobi, Robert.
Man Utd: Carroll, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Fletcher, Keane, Scholes, Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy, Rooney. Subs: Howard, Brown, Saha, Giggs, Smith.
Referee: M Dean (Wirral)
