Lewis Miley will continue his fairytale adventure with Newcastle United while manager Eddie Howe’s injury problems persist.
The 17-year-old midfielder has been at the club for ten years already, but few expected the County Durham youngsterswould be featuring so often in Europe and the Premier League.
Miley impressed in his last two matches for the Toon – a comfortable home win over Chelsea and then the hard fought draw away to Paris St Germain in the Champions League.
That is why Howe has no qualms about picthing him in again for the visit of Newcastle’s old rivals Manchester United.
Howe said: “The future will be the judge for Lewis but he’s had an early taste of high level football which can only be good for him.
“He’s able to take everything in his stride. For someone so young, he’s got a good perspective on sport and life.”
Howe further analysed Miley’s attributes when he added: “He is very calm, very polite, very respectful but he’s keen to show his qualities.”
Newcastle will be without Harvey Barnes who Howe revealed has not resumed training since he was injured in September.
Commenting on fellow midfielders Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff, Howe added: “We hope both aren’t long-term injuries. Hopefully we can get them back but even two or three weeks at this stage feels like a lifetime.”
United boss Erik Ten Hag, meanwhile, believes that the scheduling of the Saturday night fixture puts his side at a disadvantage.
Following their trip to Galatasaray, Ten Hag’s side will have 24 hours less than Newcastle to prepare.
Ten Hag, who has a selection decision to make over struggling goalkeeper Andre Onana, decided to fly home immediately following their away fixture. He said: “Quickly back. Saturday is our next fixture so we have to be ready for that.
“That is not in our advantage so that’s why we manage this, how we do it now. We know that’s a tough game. You don’t get spaces. You don’t create so many chances against them and you have to be very good in transition at a high intensity, so we know we have to prepare for that.”
The match represents the latest episode of the often brilliant matches between the two clubs .
United beat Newcastle in last season’s Carabao Cup final. Howe’s Newcastle have already tasted revenge this season, beating United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the same competition.
However, Newcastle have only beaten United once in their last seven Premier League encounters.
Both teams drew away in the UEFA Champions League this week and will be looking to recover from their European disappointment.
