Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that he knows Newcastle United "delay" football matches after he said that "the evidence" shows the Red Devils can beat Eddie Howe's side.
Before the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last month, Ten Hag claimed that Newcastle were a team who "try to annoy you". This was in reference to how the Magpies look to see matches out as he cited the statistic that the ball had only been in play for an average of 51 minutes and 41 seconds during Newcastle's Premier League games this season.
Howe will no doubt not care about how his side win the game should they claim all three points against Man United this weekend, but the comments levelled at his team could well act as all the motivation they need to put in a solid performance.
ALSO READ: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag 'hopes' Marcus Rashford fit for Newcastle United clash
And speaking ahead of Sunday's game, the Dutchman has further admitted that he has "concerns" over Newcastle's style of play due to what he sees as the Magpies looking to slow the game down at every opportunity.
"Concern, we know they delay, yeah," Ten Hag told the press. "It's something that is what the referee doesn't want, they want to have tempo in the game, that is the aim of the Premier League , so they have to be consistent to let the game go, so do and act what the policy is.
"It's about us, like we did in the two previous games, it's about us, as every game, we want to dictate, to control the game but we play against a good opponent, we're aware of that. They've had a great season with their manager, way of play. It's a team that is really hard to beat. We are looking forward to the challenge and the evidence is we can beat them."
READ NEXT
Choose your Newcastle United XI for Manchester United Premier League clash
Newcastle warned Inter Milan hold trump card in race to sign Marcus Thuram
- Kieran Tierney would bring same attacking threat to Newcastle akin to Trippier
Forgotten man who almost smashed Newcastle's transfer record is now free agent
- Raphinha departure from Barcelona would 'insult his family' amid Newcastle links
