Manchester United vs Newcastle programme notes: Adam Armstrong handed first Premier League start against 'improving' United
Louis van Gaal believes his side are continually improving but face an unknown quantity in 17-year-old striker Armstrong
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alan Pardew has picked the 17-year-old striker Adam Armstrong to start for Newcastle United away at Old Trafford this afternoon.
The academy-produced player, who has been capped by England at junior levels, has started Capital One Cup games against Crystal Palace and Manchester City this season but this is his first league start. He comes in for Sammy Ameobi in the Newcastle attack, playing against a United back three of Paddy McNair, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans.
There is just one change to the United team from the draw with Aston Villa. McNair comes in for Darren Fletcher. For Newcastle, there is Armstrong in for Sammy Ameobi and Vurnon Anita in place of Chieck Tiote.
In his programme notes, Louis Van Gaal said that he could see the improvement in his team in spite of the winning run coming to an end against Aston Villa.
He wrote: “It is team spirit that I am looking for. Its not about one or two players doing very well in a match; it’s about the whole team performing. There have been one or two blips along the way, but gradually we are getting better all the time, which is pleasing.
"When we are performing well and dominating matches on a consistent basis, then the results will come more naturally and we probably haven’t seen enough of that in recent matches.”
Line-ups:
Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Evans, McNair; Valencia, Carrick, Mata, Young; Rooney; Falcao, Van Persie
Newcastle United: Alnwick; Janmaat, Coloccini, S Taylor, Dummett; Colback, Anita; Sissoko, Perez, Gouffran; Armstrong
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments