Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has admitted that his side will be in for a difficult game against Manchester United on Saturday, but has stressed that his team must convert any chances they create to stand a chance of getting a positive result.
The Tyneside club have had an excellent start to the campaign, and are currently in fourth place in the Premier League standings after 12 games.
However, following a 3-1 defeat to leaders Manchester City last weekend, The Geordies have a tough fixture list over the next month that will test the side’s resolve.
“If you are going to Old Trafford against the quality of player and the atmosphere that’s created, of course you are going to find it very, very difficult,” Pardew told reporters at a pre-match press conference.
“The odds are that you are not going to get many victories. You need a bit of luck, sometimes the ball to roll your way or fortune to favour you.
“But you have got to force that. We have got to force them into a situation where they might make a mistake, or we have a forward running beyond and a player commits himself and they are down to 10 men.
“It’s crucial when that chance comes along that we take it, because we aren’t going to get many chances there,” the manager admitted.
Pardew will lock horns with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and the Toon trainer is full of respect for his opposite number.
“He’s clocking up all sorts of milestones. It’s about time he walked away and gave someone else a chance. He has been brilliant.
“I know he will be smarting from Tuesday’s draw, so unfortunately, we are on the back of a negative from Manchester United’s point of view, so it will be a tough game for us.
“When the last game of the season comes around, I expect Manchester United to be playing for the title. He wouldn’t have it any other way, the manager,” he stated.
By Gareth McKnight
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