One point from six MUST become four from nine

NEWCASTLE are having an L of a time right now, not just because of Alexander Isak’s despicable absence and a stockpiling of injuries but because they must stagger from Liverpool to Leeds still searching for their first victory in the public’s gaze.

- JOHNGIBSON

United failed to win in six public preseason friendlies and have topped that off with two winless PL outings. Unimaginable when claiming the Carabao Cup and securing Champions League football wasn’t it?

Elland Road would appear to be an ideal opportunity to get three points on the board except that as many as four key players could be missing the suspended Anthony Gordon of course plus Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Fabian Schar. Oh and Isak!

It's just as well that outside of the glaring neglect at centre-forward United have completed the signings they required which means that Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey will get an automatic leg up, probably along with Lewis Miley and Will Osula. Lewis Hall and Jacob Murphy will also be nudging Howe looking for a recall.

What difference can Thiaw and Ramsey make to United’s progress? Perhaps we're at the beginning of the long road to finding out.

Newcastle have played well for one point out of six which must quickly become four from nine before players get disillusioned at not getting justice and being handicapped by a lack of a line leader.

Midfield would once again appear to hold the key to success or failure. Like it or not, taking such influential players as Sandro and Big Joe out of harness significantly weakens what is left and puts even more weight upon the shoulders of inspiring skipper Bruno.