Hayden ready for Sunday's curtain-raiser

Former Arsenal midfielder Hayden could make his top flight debut in this weekend’s clash, as the Magpies kick-off their campaign at St. James’ Park (3pm kick-off).

And the 22-year-old, who is the subject of the Big Interview in Sunday’s matchday programme, told United that victory over Spurs would be the perfect start to his second season in black and white.

“If I get the opportunity to play and perform, for however many minutes that is, it would be great to beat Spurs, because of the previous I’ve had with Arsenal. I’m an Arsenal fan anyway, so to beat Spurs would be quite nice,” he said.

“But it’s not even just that, it’s just the whole Premier League experience now – the feeling that we’re where we deserve to be, with the club’s stature and the manager and the infrastructure we’ve got. It just gives us that platform now to go on and improve, and to prove that we do deserve to be there.”

Hayden gave an exclusive interview to United at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, where the cover image of Sunday’s programme was taken.

Inside this weekend’s issue, the England Under-21 international discusses football, family and his mindset when it comes to playing the game.

“I wouldn’t say I’m arrogant, and I’m not a ‘big-time Charlie’. I just go on the football pitch and put 100 per cent effort and commitment in, and play as if I’m a fan,” he said. “I think that’s the best thing you can do as a football player – play as if you are one of the guys sitting there paying to watch you, because they would kill for the opportunity to be where you are.

“The fans are important. Without fans at a football club, it doesn’t work. To have the fans that we have, we’re very fortunate. They want the best for the football club, and so do the players.

“I think that we worked well together last season. There were times when it was difficult for the fans, which the players understand – we’re fans ourselves, we still love football, so we can understand from their point of view that certain times last season must have been frustrating, but they stuck with us. In the last couple of games, I think we rewarded them.”

In Sunday’s issue, there’s also an interview with former favourite John Beresford, who discusses the Magpies’ first season in the Premier League back in 1993 – where they also faced Spurs on the opening day – as well as being awarded an MBE.

Long-serving physiotherapist Derek Wright is profiled in the first feature of a series - United Backstage - which will tell the stories of the staff behind the scenes at the club, while teenage midfielder Matty Longstaff is the youngster in focus in High Hopes.

To read all of this in full – and much more – pick up a copy of United, which will be available to purchase around St. James’ Park and in the club store on Sunday, priced at just £3.