Source: Daily_Mail
Alan Pardew braced for a Man United backlash against Newcastle
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has warned his players that Manchester United will be out to reignite their season on Tuesday night after their FA Cup misery. [LNB]Pardew knows United will be reeling from their heartbreak at the hands of Manchester City - and yet buoyed by Arsenal's failure to beat Liverpool on Sunday, a result that left United six points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table. [LNB]'I would be deceiving you if I said I thought they won't be wounded,' he said. 'Knowing Sir Alex Ferguson and the way they work, they'll be coming here to make a point. [LNB] Backlash: Alan Pardew expects Man United to come out fighting after their FA Cup exit[LNB]'The Arsenal result has probably given them a lift. When you get a big defeat like the Cup semi-final, you want a lift and that couldn't have been better from their perspective.' [LNB]Despite the prospect of a United backlash, Pardew vowed to attack. [LNB]'The pressure is off us to a degree because I think most neutrals will expect us to get beaten, or not to win,' he said. [LNB]'John Carver (Pardew's assistant) told me that after Sunderland this is probably the biggest game for our fans. They'll want to see us committed and having a go and that's what we'll do. [LNB]'It's a chance for my players to put themselves up against the best. I responded to that as a player, and I hope my players do.' [LNB]United will go nine points clear of Arsenal with a win tonight and Pardew is expecting Ferguson to send out his strongest side. [LNB] Rough stuff: Cheick Tiote (left) and Shefki Kuqi (right) play around in training[LNB]'The one thing I do know about Sir Alex is there is no way he will underestimate this game,' he said. [LNB]'He knows that coming to St James' Park is a tough game regardless of what team goes out in the black and white shirt, because of the atmosphere and the history of the game. [LNB]'This is a proper game for Manchester United and I expect him to pick what he thinks is his best XI.' [LNB]To that end, United welcome Wayne Rooney back from suspension, although they may be without Rio Ferdinand, who has just become a father for the third time. [LNB]The England defender was in court in Macclesfield on Monday as a female stalker was convicted of harassing him and his wife Rebecca. [LNB]If Ferdinand is rested his place will be taken by Chris Smalling, while Ryan Giggs will play in place of the suspended Paul Scholes. [LNB]Pardew also has selection concerns with Kevin Nolan suspended and Steve Harper and Shola Ameobi struggling with knee injuries. [LNB]Stephen Ireland is set for his first appearance on the bench since joining the club on loan in January. [LNB]Pardew revealed he spent some time with Ferguson when he was out of work two years ago before he joined Southampton. [LNB]'SirAlex is a big part of the League Managers Association and he's always got a word for younger managers, invites people to the training ground and looks after them,' Pardew said. [LNB] 'It's very good that we've got somebody at the top of the game who does that.'[LNB] Man United put the boot in! Coach kicks hole in wall of Wembley dressing roomVan der Sar warns Newcastle to expect Manchester United backlashAll the latest Man United news, features and opinionAll the latest Newcastle United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Nolan, Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Carver Places: Newcastle, Liverpool, United Kingdom
