Report: Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff set to start for Newcastle against Man United

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According to The Daily Mail, Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff will be handed their first Premier League appearances of the season today. Newcastle United host Manchester United in the late kick-off this afternoon.

With Newcastle stuck in the bottom three, Steve Bruce has decided to make some bold calls. He is targeting Man United’s poor away record as a chance for Newcastle to add to their tally of five points this season.

Therefore, he will roll the dice and give Longstaff his Premier League debut. The 19-year-old made his debut in the EFL Cup earlier this term and now he is in line for a promotion to the Premier League squad.

With Isaac Hayden suspended, Bruce has decided to give Longstaff a chance. He will partner his brother, Sean, in the centre of midfield against Man United. Meanwhile, Clark could make his first Premier League appearance of the season.

The Irish defender is in line to replace Paul Dummett at the back for the Magpies. Clark only played 11 times in the league last season and has only played a cup game this term. But Bruce is likely to give the 30-year-old a chance today.

TBR’s view

Bruce desperately needs a result to turn things around at St James’ Park and this is why he is making some bold decisions. He has thrown Longstaff in the deep end for a clash with Man United and Newcastle fans will see if the teenager floats or sinks.

As for Clark, this is a risky strategy as he will be brought in from the cold. Clark will be selected ahead of Federico Fernandez if Bruce goes ahead with this decision. This has the potential to backfire spectacularly.