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McClaren Calls For "Rocking" Atmosphere
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren has called for a "rocking" atmosphere on Tuesday, as Manchester United come to Tyneside
By Dominic Scurr
Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has rallied the St. James' Park crowd ahead of Tuesday's Barclays Premier League home fixture with Manchester United (7.45pm kick-off).
The Magpies have lost their previous four games by a single goal but the boss is determined his side can turn things around against the Red Devils - believing the home support will have a crucial role to play.
"We desperately need the fans on our side," admitted McClaren.
"We need a similar atmosphere to what they produced against Liverpool and Everton, so they can get behind the players and get the place rocking. It can really bring the performance out of the team and we'll need that against Manchester United."
McClaren will be looking to take advantage of a Red Devils side who have been somewhat goal-shy themselves in recent weeks, but is aware that anything could happen on the night.
"You'd say a goalless draw is the odds-on result," he continued.
"Then again, it could be 3-3 and everyone breaks their duck. You just don't know. We just want to start well and put in a good performance.
"Manchester United are a dangerous team with very good players who can control a game hurt you on their day. We've got to make sure they don't.
"They're still title contenders, I think everyone in the top six or seven has it in them to go on a good run of games and Manchester United are more than capable of doing that.
"We need to keep doing what we've been doing with our performance but make sure we finish off at the other end.
"We can take something from our performance at Old Trafford earlier in the season and be a side that's hard to beat, hopefully show some end product and get the right result."
McClaren will be hoping to welcome Jack Colback back into the Newcastle squad after a "wear and tear niggle" kept him out of the FA Cup defeat at Watford, while captain Fabricio Coloccini will face a late fitness test having been withdrawn at half-time at Vicarage Road.
Winger Florian Thauvin and full-back Kevin Mbabu are also doubts having picked up slight knocks over the weekend.