Newcastle: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits that his side need to play better, but they will go in search of a third successive victory at Newcastle United on Tuesday.
United last managed that in November, when victory over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League followed by Premier League wins over West Bromwich Albion and Watford had everything in the Old Trafford garden looking rosy.
United, briefly, were second in the league, but after that they would not record another win until January 2, during which time they also limped out of the Champions League in the group phase.
United have eased some of the pressure on Van Gaal by recording back-to-back home wins, but Saturday’s FA Cup victory over third-tier Sheffield United, secured by Wayne Rooney’s injury-time penalty, was far from convincing.
“The result is all right, but the performance was not all right,” said Van Gaal, whose side were ironically applauded by their own fans as they toiled to break down their third-tier opponents. But as long as United keep winning, Van Gaal has a defence and his team are looking to record a fourth successive Premier League win over struggling Newcastle in meetings at St James’ Park.
Victory would take United level on points with Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.
