Newcastle may face an Aston Villa side shorn of prime attacking force Jack Grealish as doubts remain over the forward's availability for Friday night's clash.
Aston Villa will assess their talisman on Thursday, who is still suffering with a shin injury. But the Mirror report that he remains a "doubt", which will be good news for Newcastle.
Grealish has missed Villa's last four matches - and they have only won one of those matches he's been absent for.
Grealish was a key man as Villa outplayed Newcastle in the January win at Villa Park, and has a good record against United.
Steve Bruce's side desperately need a win after a run of defeats.
