1. Great stage for new signings
The Old Trafford fear factor may have gone, but the grand stadium has lost none of its prestige. The opportunity to play at such arenas are part of the appeal when foreign stars choose the Premier League.
And Newcastle have plenty of new signings who will be keen to impress on the big stage. Wijnaldum will be well known to Van Gaal – he was part of his Netherlands squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Aleksander Mitrovic is perhaps too eager – having picked up bookings three and 90 seconds into his two substitute appearances to date – but will be dangerous if he can redirect his good intentions, and highly-rated winger Florian Thauvin may be given a debut after joining from Marseille this week.
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