When Manchester United met Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final in February, it was a big game, naturally. But today’s meeting of the two Uniteds could easily prove to be an even bigger game for these clubs – even if there is no trophy to be awarded at the end of it. Finishing in the Premier League’s top four would be a fantastic achievement for clubs looking to return to the biggest stage – the UEFA Champions League.Erik ten Hag is hopeful Marcus Rashford will be fit for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle 🔴 pic.twitter.com/uqHp410Fp6— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 31, 2023 Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag told their opponents that their Saudi money wouldn’t be decisive in their race – and that Old Trafford is where the best players want to play. The Dutchman warned the Magpies that money is no guarantee to breaking into the top four.”Money is one thing, but another is strategy. When I was at Ajax, we had a low budget compared to many clubs in the Champions League and still won the group, went to the semi-final and were close to the final. So it’s possible to beat teams with higher budgets. We are going in that direction. We are building a base this season but have to progress. We are setting higher demands and standards for our players every time.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7142344##The money talk is ultimately pointless because talking about it can make pretty much any expense relative. Ten Hag was used to spending very little cash while in charge of Ajax in his homeland. Now, he paid over $200 million in just one transfer window to buy Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez. And yet, he speaks about Newcastle, who spent around $50 less. It doesn’t matter anyway – because it won’t be about back accounts when the teams run out to the St. James’ Park turf.Newcastle midfielder Joelinton returns after serving a ban but winger Anthony Gordon, who has sat out two matches with an ankle issue, is doubtful. Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin have been cleared to play, but Miguel Almiron remains out with a thigh issue.❓ Anthony Gordon❓ Nick PopeEddie Howe gives a team news update ahead of their game with Manchester United. 🤕 pic.twitter.com/qUoEl3eLpG— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 31, 2023 Ten Hag is hopeful Marcus Rashford, who withdrew from the England squad because of a minor injury, will be available. Anthony Martial is back in contention after overcoming a hip problem, but it is not clear whether Marcel Sabitzer and Raphael Varane are fully fit, while Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho and Tom Heaton are ruled out.Manchester United are currently third, three points above fifth-placed Magpies. Eddie Howe’s team is chasing a statement victory that would announce their return among the big boys.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 29SaturdayMan City – Liverpool 4-1 (1-1)/Alvarez 27, De Bruyne 46, Gundogan 53, Grealish 74 – Salah 17/Arsenal – Leeds 4-1 (1-0)/Jesus 33 pen, 55, White 47, Xhaka 85 – Kristensen 76/Bournemouth – Fulham 2-1 (0-1)/Tavernier 50, Solanke 79 – Pereira 16/Brighton – Brentford 3-3 (2-2)/Mitoma 21, Welbeck 28, MacAllister 90 pen – Jansson 10, Toney 22, Pinnock 49/Crystal Palace – Leicester 2-1 (0-0)/Iversen 59 og, Mateta 90+5 – Pereira 56/Nott.Forest – Wolverhampton 1-1 (1-0)/Johnson 38 – Podence 83/Chelsea – Aston Villa 0-2 (0-1)/Watkins 18, McGinn 56/Sunday16:00: (1.80) West Ham (3.60) Southampton (5.20)18:30: (2.55) Newcastle (3.40) Man.Utd. (2.95)Monday22:00: (3.50) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.25)***odds are subject to change***
