Alexander Isak injury update with five Newcastle United players ruled out of Man United clash

Newcastle United will continue to be without club-record signing Alexander Isak when they face Manchester United on Sunday.

The 22-year-old scored two in his opening three games following his £58million switch from Real Sociedad in August.

However, after picking up a thigh injury during the recent international break with Sweden, Isak has been forced to miss big wins against Fulham and Brentford.

While head coach Eddie Howe insists the striker is making “good progress”, he won’t feature at Old Trafford.

Howe also played down a potential return for fixtures against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur next week.

“Difficult to say at this moment in time,” the 44-year-old said. “I’d probably say the three-game week might be difficult.”

Speaking last Friday, Howe explained: “He’s running on grass, increasing his speed so he’s in a good place but the medical team are just holding him back slightly from any more than that. Hopefully it won’t be too long.

“He’s suffered a muscle problem to his thigh. A scan wasn’t overly bad but again, the medical team are just being cautious with him at this moment.”

Also ruled out for the visit to Old Trafford is Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie - who has a calf problem - Karl Darlow and Emil Krafth.