NEWCASTLE v MANCHESTER UTD

Jones orders United to hit back hard Kick-off 8pm – Live on Sky Sports 1

Fergie’s row with Wayne Rooney, Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson after the trio’s Boxing Day night out.

Jones said: “Everyone has a bit of a moan about how many games there are around Christmas, but the beauty of it is that everyone is in the same position.

“We just have to get on with it. It’s about how we manage and cope with injuries.

“We’ve been a bit unfortunate but are still up there fighting with the best. I am excited and I’m loving it.

“It was a nice feeling to get out of trouble with Blackburn on the last day of the season, but it’s an even nicer feeling knowing you are at the top of the table with a fantastic chance of winning the English title.

“When the chips are down, you see who the real fighters are.

“When we kick off every week, we have 11 people fighting on that pitch to win a match.

“That is the beauty of Manchester United.”

Alan Pardew reckons Newcastle are ready to put the wind up Fergie.

Gale force gusts

are forecast at St James’ Park and Pardew insists his Toon troops can blow United’s title tilt off course in front of a 52,000 fullhouse.

The Geordies’ boss said: “There’s nothing as bad as a really high wind and it looks like we might have that, so I think it’ll have an impact on the game.

“Anyway, we’re used to it up here. There’s a strong, strong wind coming off the coast, but we’re ready for it.”

Pardew expects former United midfielder Gabriel Obertan to pass a fitness test on a toe injury.