Personally, I think Newcastle are wrong to get rid of Big Sam at this stage and should have looked to the long term.
But he's gone and United will face the kickback from the decision.
As I see it the game will go one of two ways for Newcastle. It will be a total shambles or, as I suspect, the players will withdraw into a group because of all the flak flying around and come out determined to show they can do it.
There will be those players relieved Allardyce is gone because they didn't get on with him, and there will be others disappointed to see him go. So, I would bet my mortgage on it being a very spirited display from Newcastle.
You will see a different sort of performance from the one we have seen in recent weeks.
The manager has enormous influence on who plays and how he sets up the team.
But when kick-off time comes it's up to the players to go out and do it.
And clearly, when you look at the quality of Newcastle's squad, they have been underperforming.
Having said all that, most teams get a big lift from playing at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fans. So, I'm sure it's going to be a tough match for United.
It will be good to see Nicky Butt and Alan Smith back at the Theatre of Dreams. I'm sure both will get a great reception.
Nicky played such a large part in United's success for ten years.
While Smithy wasn't here as long, the fans took to him because of his whole-heartedness plus the horrific injury he suffered at Liverpool.
On the subject of injuries, I'm delighted Gary Neville is back in action.
I'm sure everyone at the club is looking forward to having Gary and Paul Scholes back in contention for first-team places as the season develops.
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