TOON ARE GIVEN REAL BOOST

NEWCASTLE have been handed a potential Premier League fixture boost in February.

The Magpies are set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 20 - but that will now be put back to the following day after the Red Devils were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men could only manage a third-placed finish in Group H, meaning they fall into the UEFA Europa League when it resumes in February.

Manchester United have been handed a nightmare draw as they have been placed against Real Sociedad, leaders of Spain’s La Liga, in the round of 32.

The first leg of the tie is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, the Mancunians making the journey to La Real’s Anoeta Stadium just three days before they are set to host Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Ideally, Manchester United would have gained an easier draw in the Europa League to rest a few key team players ahead of the visit of the Magpies.

However, Solskjaer now faces a dilemma over how best to use his squad.

The Europa League can be seen as a hindrance.

Yet, with the prize of not only a major trophy but also a guaranteed spot in next season’s Champions League for the winners, it is a competition the Red Devils cannot take lightly.

Manchester United are eighth in the Premier League table and should their position not improve in the meantime the Europa League could be their best chance of making sure they keep their seat at Europe’s top table next term - given they are one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win the competition.

With the Newcastle clash sandwiched between the two legs of their clash with a Real side which includes former Magpies’ star Mikel Merino as well as ex-Premier League midfielders David Silva and Adnan Januzaj, something will have to give in terms of Solskjaer’s team selection during that period.

Newcastle will hope it will be their match which the Norwegian takes lightly.