Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck warns his Red Devils team-mates not to takes the Magpies lightly in their Boxing Day clash
Danny Welbeck has warned Manchester United not to underestimate Newcastle United ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have a mixed record against the Magpies in recent seasons, winning two of their past five meetings, although Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were 3-0 winners earlier this term at St James’ Park.
Alan Pardew’s men have struggled to match their impressive form from last season, with Newcastle winning just two of their last 12 games in all competitions.
United are currently four points clear of their bitter derby rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, but Welbeck insisted there was no room for complacency against the Magpies.
“They’ve found it a bit tougher this year but I know they’ve had some injuries, which have played a part,” Welbeck told the United Review.
“You can still see potential throughout their team. They have some real attacking threats – everyone knows about players like Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé.
“All I can do is watch their games, look for any weaknesses and then do some damage on the pitch if I get the chance.”
Meanwhile Welbeck admitted the festive period is always tough with the United players set to spend Christmas night away from their families.
“I suppose the worst part is that you have to spend Christmas night in a hotel and aren’t with your family,” he added. “I don’t think people really see that side of things.
“But the players look forward to the festive period because the games come thick and fast and, if you have a good run of results, you can be in a really strong position come the new year.”
