Man Utd suffer more pre-match drama as Newcastle flight cancelled due to weather
Ten Hag defends under-fire Onana ahead of Newcastle v Man Utd
Manchester United have suffered their second dose of pre-match drama this week in a frustrating blow to their preparations for tonight’s clash at Newcastle United. The Red Devils have reportedly had to change travel plans at the last minute after their flight was cancelled this morning.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United were due to board a flight at Manchester Airport at 11am this morning.
However, they were informed that it had been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and technical difficulties.
The report claims United now face a three-hour coach journey to the north-east ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League clash against the Magpies.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm at St James’ Park, so there is plenty of time for Erik ten Hag, his squad and his staff to reach Tyneside.
However, it’s far from ideal preparation for an already tough test against Eddie Howe’s side, who have a formidable record on home turf this season.
The turn of events will no doubt irritate Ten Hag, who also faced uncertainty over Wednesday’s Champions League game against Galatasaray due to heavy rainfall in Istanbul.
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The heavens opened in the Turkish capital on the day of the clash and heavily impacted play during United’s 1-0 UEFA Youth League defeat in the early afternoon.
UEFA officials spent plenty of time on the pitch testing how the ball bounced and moved along the drenched surface less than a couple of hours before kick-off.
But the Group A meeting went ahead as planned, during which United squandered 2-0 and 3-1 leads to draw 3-3 and remain rock bottom of Group A.
United’s recent Premier League form is wildly different from their fortunes in Europe, winning five of their last six such games.
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Ten Hag’s side overcame a hostile Goodison Park last time out to cruise to a 3-0 victory against Everton, sending them just six points behind leaders Arsenal.
But an away trip to Newcastle is an entirely different proposition. The Toon have thrashed Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at home this season.
United’s record against top-half Premier League sides also makes worrying reading, losing all four such outings this term.
The Old Trafford giants’ travel mayhem won’t help settle the nerves ahead of kick-off this evening. But United can move just one point off the top four with a win.
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