'Respect' - Erik ten Hag changes his tune on Newcastle United ahead of Man Utd clash

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spoken of his respect for Newcastle United ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting between the two clubs (kick-off 8pm).

The Red Devils visit St James' Park after drawing 3-3 away to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday. Just over 24 hours earlier, the Magpies were denied a famous win in the same competition against Paris Saint-Germain via Kylian Mbappe's 98th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

Man United currently sit 6th in the Premier League table, one point and one position above Newcastle. But when the two teams met at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round last month, Newcastle cruised to a 3-0 victory with Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock on the scoresheet.

Asked about Newcastle at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said: "I really respect them, it's a difficult team to play but it's a good challenge and I like to play against, we have to rise to the occasion, be on our best against them because the way they play is very organised."

The Dutchman's praise for Newcastle will come as a surprise to many given his comments last season.

Ten Hag accused Eddie Howe's side of time-wasting, quotes the Magpies boss used in his pre-match team talk ahead of the 2-0 victory at St James' Park in April.

"It's a great team with a clear philosophy," said Ten Hag. "It's an annoying team to play against, so we have to find a way. They try to annoy you, so we have to focus on our game.

"When asked to expand on what he meant, he said: “Annoying. They try to annoy you. If you see from the FA, referees want to play effective time. [Newcastle] have the lowest in the league, they are quite successful with it. It's up to us to get speed in the game, but we are dependent on the refereeing as well.

"I don't know the instructions of the opponents. I can't influence that. We have to make it our job to focus on the game. If we concentrate on that and don't get distracted, we can find the moments when we can strike. Don't get distracted from whatever is on the pitch. We have to find our way.”

Newcastle have faced Man United four times since ten Hag took charge with his only win coming in February's Carabao Cup final.