By Matthew Jones
August 23 2003

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson wants to get revenge on Manchester United, who dominated the game at St James' Park last season, as Newcastle fell to a heavy defeat. Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson wants to get revenge on Manchester United, who dominated the game at St James' Park last season, as Newcastle fell to a heavy defeat.

Robson said: "Obviously what happened when Newcastle United came here last season will be on our minds but we must pay no attention to it and forget all about it.

"Yes it was a shock and yes it was a big surprise to me especially as we knew that the result would have massive implications as far as the Premiership championship was concerned.

"Yet when Jermaine Jenas gave us our lead I thought we were going to go on and win the game and perhaps for the first time move above Manchester United.

"Of course what happened is that they responded in the most ferocious way and they hammered us, although I have to say I was not happy with some of our defending that day.

"Manchester United actually scored 11 goals against us in two Premiership games last season and we don't want a repeat of that."

Robson added: "Bowyer has looked the best in training this week that I have seen him since he came to the club in the close season.

"He has looked better, stronger and more comfortable and he has even managed to look a lot fitter."

Lee Bowyer is making his home debut against Manchester United, and admitted that he has never been part of a winning side against the Red Devils.

He said: "The last time I played against them was for West Ham at Old Trafford in January when they beat us 6-0. And the time before that I broke my nose playing for Leeds United against them so my last two appearances against Manchester United have not been very happy for me.

"Not only that but I have never been in a team which has beaten them.

"Yet twice for Leeds we went into the last five minutes but on both occasions Ole Gunnar Solskjaer popped up with goals to foil us. But looking at tomorrow I would say that we have a good chance of beating them."

Welsh Gary Speed wants to use this game to get rid of memories from Wales' Euro 2004 Qualifier and said: "Wednesday night was very disappointing but you just have to get on with it and there is no bigger or better game than Manchester United when you have just suffered a big defeat.

"Manchester United are still the team to beat and the one you want to pit your wits against."