Newcastle vs Manchester United Prediction: Sesko to fly against Magpies

Newcastle United welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park on Wednesday, March 4 (20:15GMT, TNT Sports) looking to improve on a run of just one Premier League win in their last seven matches.

It’s a different story at Old Trafford, with interim manager Michael Carrick yet to lose after 10 matches in charge across two temporary stints. Read on for my Newcastle vs Manchester United predictions with the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Newcastle’s torrid 2026 has been pockmarked by the absences of some key men. Midfield maestro Bruno Guimaraes, England defender Tino Livramento and homegrown starlet Lewis Miley are all still sidelined.

Jacob Ramsey is a doubt with illness, having come off against in the 3-2 defeat at Everton following a bout of sickness on the field. The midfielder has hinted on social media that he will be back for the visit of the Red Devils, but there is no official word beyond that at press time.

United boss Carrick has had similar maladies to deal with. The interim United boss cited illness as the reason Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were withdrawn in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. 

If Maguire is unable to play it could create problems at centre half for the away side. With Matthijs De Ligt suffering through a back injury and Lisandro Martinez touch-and-go with calf trouble, Carrick may need to look at former Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven in defence.

Mason Mount’s injury saga may come to an end. There are suggestions the England midfielder may make the bench.

Football Odds

Newcastle vs Manchester United Odds

The Magpies are 8/5 to record the victory on home soil. Favourites United are 6/4 while the draw is marketed at 11/4.

Casemiro to be carded climbs from 9/5 to 2/1 with a Boost. The same is true of Benjamin Sesko to record 2+ shots on target. If you fancy that punt involving United’s in-form striker, the Boost takes it from 15/8 to 9/4.

Benjamin Sesko to score anytime @ 13/8

Anyone who has read my columns over the past month will know that I have form in this area. After predicting Bryan Mbeumo to score against Spurs, I have correctly tipped Sesko to score any time last (West Ham), first (Everton) and at any time (Crystal Palace).

Give the Slovenian’s sparkling form, I am going to give Sesko the nod once again. While Big Ben should start, I don’t entirely trust Carrick not to tinker with his frontline. After all, that first goal against Everton only arrived when Sesko came off the bench and netted in the 71st minute.

So we’ll go any time. Full disclosure, if my run of correct United goalscorer predictions hits five I’m still not cutting my hair. Primarily because I’m bald.

Manchester United to win @ 6/4

United are a funny old beast in these heady, post-Amorim days. Are they smash-bang-wallop, thrill-masters? Consecutive 3-2 victories over Arsenal and Fulham suggested so. Are they hold-your-nerve poker masters? The sweaty, attritional 1-0 at Everton nodded in that direction.

After conceding four goals in his first three outings back in the hotseat, Carrick has calmed things down considerably. United have conceded twice in their last four matches. But with injury doubts over several first-choice defenders, I think the straight win market gives us more insurance.

Newcastle are in poor form. United are in fine fettle. Sometimes it is that simple.

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