11 September 2001

As part of the build up to Saturday's Barclaycard Premiership  clash with Newcastle United  at St. Jame's Park, we asked leading Newcastle site "Toon Tastic" for an insight into the Tyne side club and their views on the match. Thanks to Phillip Craig, designer of the site.

View Toon Tastic Site

1. Who should Man u be aware of for Saturday?

There is of course Alan Shearer who since he has made his comeback from injury has looked alot more like his former self. Yes his pace has gone slightly however he still manages to lose defenders to put himself in great positions. However this is not who I think Man U need to be aware of. I think there are actually 3 players who if Man U don't watch will be able to tear them apart. The first is Craig Bellamy. Yes he had problems at Coventry and really didn't look very good and once Newcastle fans knew that we had signed him there were complaints, however Bellamy really has showed his true self. His is capable of taking on any player and his pace allows him to get away from any defence and set up the rest of the team and also to score for himself.
My second and third players to watch are Solano and Robert. Man U will know all about Nobby from that free kick he hit passed Rudolph all those years back but since then he has become an even better player. He is now not afraid to go for goal and his crossing and assets were the best in the Premiership last season, even better than Beckhams which I think says it all really. Robert is the man I feel can turn the game in our favour though. Newcastle always go up to top gear when we play Man U as we showed last season however we were unlucky to only get a draw. Robert has been signed and now allows us to attack even harder down the left than we do down the right. His pace means he can take on any defence and he plays 50 yard balls into the box like he's passing to someone 2 yards away. He set up all and scored one in Newcastle's match against Boro, tore Sunderland's defence to pieces and made Chelsea look like they had a bad defence. Gary Neville is going to have one of the hardest jobs of his life on Saturday.

2. How do u think Newcastle have started off?

I think Newcastle have made a good start to the season but we should have an extra two points have taking apart Sunderland. We are undefeated in any competitive match since May 5th a run of 11 games now which can only give the players confidence.

3. What do u think of this seasons Utd team, and Veron in particular after his great performance Vs Everton?

I was surprised to see Stam go like many other fans however Manchester United have such a big squad it doesn't seem to affect them. There defence I feel looks weaker than in previous years especially at right and left back but I still can't see them losing the title at least for this last season.

4. What do u think of Beckham (as an England supporter) is he forgiven by most fans for being sent off in the last world Cup?

I think Beckham himself has improved and this has undoubtedly been down to being made England captain. His role in the England side is much more important and he understands he has to be strong and not make stupid challenges when decisions don't go his way like he used to do and like he showed in one split second against Albania. I think he now has more fans on his side which can only be good for England but when he plays for Man U he will be one of the most hated men on the field, but then that's football.

5. Match Prediction?

2-1 Newcastle. If we were playing at Old Trafford I would have no doubts we would get beat, but on our home ground we play well and play our own style of play. I think our wingers will be to strong for you and Andy Griffin will be asked to do the job he did on Beckham and Giggs last year which stopped you getting anywhere in the match. I don't think we will keep a clean sheet as our defence simply isn't good enough yet but attacking wise we are going much better.