NEWCASTLE UNITED HEADLINES AS MAGPIES RIGHT TO WAIT FOR ASHWORTH, ANDERSON DECISION PAYS OFF
Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Tuesday, August 9.
Newcastle right to wait for Ashworth
The Premier League season is just four days' old, yet Manchester United already appear to be in a familiar state of turmoil. The Erik ten Hag era got off to the worst start possible as the Red Devils were beaten on home turf by Brighton.
Pascal Gross netted twice as the Seagulls claimed an historic victory at Old Trafford, and in the process proved the four-goal thrashing at the Amex in May was no fluke. Even a clumsy Alexis Mac Allister own-goal failed to put Brighton's victory in doubt, as the visitors comfortably repelled a limp late rally led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The absences of Bissouma and Cucurella were not felt at Old Trafford. Moises Caicedo bossed the midfield and was described by Micah Richards as the 'best player on the pitch', while a backline of Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman and Adam Webster rarely looked troubled.
Brighton's ability to shrug off the loss of two key players and remain committed to their philosophy should encourage Newcastle fans. It took several months longer than the Magpies would have liked, but they ultimately proved successful in prising Dan Ashworth away from the south coast.
Howe's Anderson decision pays off
Newcastle United's decision to remain patient over Elliot Anderson's future looks to have paid off after Jonjo Shelvey was ruled out with a hamstring problem. The 30-year-old was in London last week for an assessment and it is understood he is set for a spell on the sidelines.
Shelvey looks unlikely to play again before the Premier League season temporarily stops for the World Cup in November and Newcastle are suddenly looking short in midfield in the former Liverpool star's absence. Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are all options for Eddie Howe in the middle of the park but Anderson is another who could feature after impressing in pre-season.
Newcastle to wear one-off match shirts
Newcastle United will wear a special one-off shirt during this weekend's trip to Brighton, after a kit clash was confirmed by the Premier League in the build-up to the fixture.
The Magpies will continue with wearing a Castore made shirt, which will have a design of the Tyneside skyline in a light blue colour and a dark blue trim around the sleeves and neck.
After consultation with the Premier League, it was has ruled that the Magpies' three new 2022/23 Castore kits - black and white, navy blue and white respectively - would all clash too closely with Brighton's blue-and-white-striped home kit.
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