Six agree short-term extensions to see out United season
AFTER months of ifs and buts surrounding the takeover saga to keep us occupied, we are finally back to the nitty-gritty of match day.
With the game behind closed doors, it is anyone’s guess if that will prove a help or a hindrance come 2.00 tomorrow.
When football came to an abrupt halt, Newcastle sat in what seemed like relative comfort eight points above the relegation places, but a final push can put any fears of the drop firmly to bed.
They say things come in threes and there are three clear reasons why the visit of Chris Wilder’s Blades will be no easy game.
First of all, the Blades have had a game head start in getting acclimatised to the new set-up.
Secondly, they will be feeling aggrieved at being denied a certain goal in their quest for European football by Hawkeye technology.
Lastly and most importantly, revenge for their 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
Andy Carroll provided a contentious assist in that game but is still waiting for his first goal back in a Newcastle shirt.
He is a available at 7/1 to bag the first one here or 29/10 to net at anytime. Known for his ability in the air, the striker is also priced at 15/2 to score with a header.
We are all aware of Jonjo Shelvey’s ability to strike a ball and the midfielder is 15/2 to score from outside the area.
How about something different, though? An early goal to settle the nerves from one of the speed merchants perhaps?
Miguel Almiron and Allan SaintMaximin are both available at 45/1 to score in the first 10 minutes.
Three points would be a huge boost for United as they look to secure their top-flight status and 23/10 is on offer for a home win.
vSTEVE Bruce has confirmed six players – including Matty Longstaff – have agreed short-term extensions to their existing deals to play until the end of the season.
With games set to go on until the end of July – and potentially into August if FA
Cup hopes stay alive – Bruce would have been in danger of a depleted squad had some players decided to quit on June 30.
However, Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo, out of contract at the end of the month, have now agreed to extend their stays until at least the end of the current season. Inter Milan’s Valentino Lazaro, Schalke 04’s Nabil Bentaleb and Tottenham’s Danny Rose will also play the last nine games of the season if selected. United remain in talks to extend Matty Longstaff’s contract but the youngster is clear to play in July if needed.
Bruce said: “All our lads, including the loan players and out-of-contract players, have verbally agreed to stay on and play to the end of the season, which is obviously a good thing.
“With the out-of-contract players, the club are in discussion with them at the moment. Meanwhile, Bruce admits
Valentino Lazaro injuries are going to be an issue as the campaign restarts.
The Bundesliga’s return in Germany has coincided with a spate of muscle injuries but Bruce said his squad begins the final chapter of this odd campaign with only a few knocks and niggles caused by the intensity of “pre-season” training.
The Magpies have had to squeeze six weeks of fitness work into three and have had only a portion of leg-loosening friendly games to get warmed up.
Bruce added: “We have had a fullyfit squad, so 25 or 26 players to train but the difficulty has been getting the balance right.
“We have had to find the right intensity to get them up and at it so quickly after having so long off.
“They have all come back in good condition.
“It has been different as we did not have – like a pre-season – where they have six weeks off, then six weeks preparation and then six games, but it has been safe for all of us.
“We are going to see injuries, I am convinced of that. We already have in just two games.
“Some players are undercooked or not quite ready so it has been difficult but it is the same for everybody.”
Bruce has been watching the impacts of football’s return on players in Germany, where players have been limping off in great numbers.
The Magpies’ head coach added: “We have all said it is not long enough to prepare but it is the same for all of us.
“It is inevitable you will pick up injuries or niggles along the way.
“Let’s hope our preparation has been as good as it can be.”