Will Newcastle's Moussa Sissoko expose Manchester United's core?

Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko (L)

Having lost to Everton at Old Trafford, thus extending Manchester United’swinless run to three games, leaving them five points off fourth place, David Moyes will no doubt be praying for a positive result when Newcastle Unitedcome to Old Trafford on Saturday. In order to get it, he has to identify the threats of this Newcastle side and deal well with them.

One of them is Moussa Sissoko.

The Frenchman has been playing out of position on the right flank, but has been one of his club’s best players in recent games.Thus, left-back Patrice Evra has to be on guard. It’s also imperative that whoever starts on the left flank ahead of Evra tracks back to help him out. Danny Welbeck often switched off defensively versus Everton, allowing Seamus Coleman to get forward quite often unopposed from right-back. This can’t happen here.

Sissoko has completed the second-most take-ons in his team (25) and has proven to be Newcastle’s best creator so far this season, setting up 27 chances. Additionally, he is a very powerful, pacey player. United can expect him to run directly at Evra with the ball as well as drift inside into dangerous positions after he lays it off. He isn’t afraid to take the shot on–either from distance or from inside the penalty area–averaging one per game. Eight of his 14 shots have come from inside the area, showing just how keen he is to get into the box from midfield. He just has the one goal to his name, but if United don’t contain him, he could well double his tally at Old Trafford.

Should Newcastle manager Alan Pardew start with two strikers up front, United’s defence will no doubt have their work cut out for them as they would have to deal with the pace and movement of Loic Remy and the strength of Shola Ameobi. Still, it’s vital that they don’t forget about Moussa Sissoko on the right flank, as he boasts all three of those attributes and can use them to good effect.