Manchester United vs Newcastle programme notes: Adam Armstrong handed first Premier League start against 'improving' United

Louis van Gaal believes his side are continually improving but face an unknown quantity in 17-year-old striker Armstrong

Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong (Getty Images)

Alan Pardew has picked the 17-year-old striker Adam Armstrong to start for Newcastle United away at Old Trafford this afternoon.

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The academy-produced player, who has been capped by England at junior levels, has started Capital One Cup games against Crystal Palace and Manchester City this season but this is his first league start. He comes in for Sammy Ameobi in the Newcastle attack, playing against a United back three of Paddy McNair, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans.

There is just one change to the United team from the draw with Aston Villa. McNair comes in for Darren Fletcher. For Newcastle, there is Armstrong in for Sammy Ameobi and Vurnon Anita in place of Chieck Tiote.

In his programme notes, Louis Van Gaal said that he could see the improvement in his team in spite of the winning run coming to an end against Aston Villa.

He wrote: “It is team spirit that I am looking for. Its not about one or two players doing very well in a match; it’s about the whole team performing. There have been one or two blips along the way, but gradually we are getting better all the time, which is pleasing.

Armstrong has made seven Premier League appearances from the bench (Getty Images)

"When we are performing well and dominating matches on a consistent basis, then the results will come more naturally and we probably haven’t seen enough of that in recent matches.”

Line-ups:

Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Evans, McNair; Valencia, Carrick, Mata, Young; Rooney; Falcao, Van Persie

Newcastle United: Alnwick; Janmaat, Coloccini, S Taylor, Dummett; Colback, Anita; Sissoko, Perez, Gouffran; Armstrong