Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren is well aware of the importance of this weekend's trip to Manchester United.

The Magpies travel to Old Trafford to take on the Red Devils on Saturday at lunchtime and McClaren is expecting an extremely difficult test for his players who have so far drawn with Southampton and lost to Swansea City.

"Last week was very encouraging, this week I thought the first 40 minutes we recovered well after a bright start," he said.

"After that, nothing so we move on.

"Next we have a big test of character at Old Trafford."

Newcastle find themselves 15th on the Premier League table, having recorded just a single point, while United are sitting pretty in fourth with two 1-0 wins to their name.