Source: Telegraph
Newcastle seek to curb Manchester United's attacking instinct
Hughton is acutely aware his weakened Newcastle side will have to resort to curbing the Premier League leaders' attacking prowess in order to boost their own fight against relegation.
"We can't play too open and expansive a game because, with the players they've got, that's a recipe for disaster," Hughton said.
It is a re-run of a fixture that United won 5-1 last season, when Kevin Keegan was in charge, and Hughton is planning to make sure there is no repeat of the humiliation.
"We've got to be compact enough to restrict their opportunities and their space," Hughton added. "But we also have to have a threat ourselves. If we don't have a threat it's only a matter of time before they break you down."
"We're under no illusions as to how difficult a game it will be. With the injuries we have it will probably be more so. And the form Man Utd are in. Whether it's four or five of their young players the momentum is with them.
"But there are various things we can get out of the game. The first objective, the most important thing is to get some sort of result. Secondly is to get some sort of pride from the performance to take into forthcoming games.
"This is a game players want to play in. Don't think there'll be any lack of hands going up if they're asked to play.
Hughton has been put in charge of first-team affairs by owner Mike Ashley following Joe Kinnear's enforced absence following triple heart bypass surgery and is confident he will repay the sports retail tycoon's faith.
"Consistency at club is hugely important and that's why the club made that decision because of what the club has been through at various stages of this season," Hughton added.
"Someone new coming in would be a new face for a group of players who have already seen quite a few new faces already this season. That was the thinking behind it.
"The club seem to be going through a period of stability and it was felt it was right to continue that.
"Even going back to the transfer window, it can be such a disruptive period with lots of question marks about people coming and going, the fact that we've come through that allowed us to have more stability. And then, after what happened with Joe, I think they felt it was best just to leave things as they were.
Newcastle's former Old Trafford midfielder, Nicky Butt, will be absent tonight with a knee injury but should return at Hull a week on Saturday alongside Michael Owen who has had ankle problems.
"Nicky's scans have come through and I think it's good news," Hughton added. "It's certainly not an injury that's going to keep him out for a while. We're certainly very hopeful for Hull."
Hughton also confirmed goalkeeper Steve Harper would skipper Newcastle tonight.
"This is a game when you need men on the football pitch and when the call is for that you need a leader and Steve Harper is certainly that," Hughton said.
"Nicky Butt has served us well in that position, as has Michael Owen before that. I think everybody here will be delighted for Steve Harper and certainly he's the right man for the job."
