Man United's Erik ten Hag warns referee to watch out for Newcastle time-wasting during Sunday's tie

Erik ten Hag has voiced more concerns over Newcastle’s time-wasting tactics as Manchester United head for St James’ Park on Sunday.

Ten Hag raised the issue before United beat Eddie Howe’s side 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley a month ago, and he was asked about it again before the two clubs clash in the Premier League on Tyneside.

The United boss claimed that Newcastle are known to ‘delay’ and wants referee Stuart Attwell to follow procedure by keeping the game flowing.

‘Concern,’ said Ten Hag. ‘We know they delay, yeah. It's something that is what the referees don't want, they want to have tempo in the game. That is the aim of the Premier League to have tempo in the game. So they (referees) also have to be consistent to let the game go. Do and act what the policy is.’

Ten Hag also called on his players to make sure they control the flow of the game and thwart any attempts by Newcastle to waste time after following up a goalless draw at Old Trafford in October by winning their first trophy under him at Wembley.

‘Like we did in the two previous games, it's about us,’ he added. ‘As every game, we want to dictate, to control the game, but we play against a good opponent, we're aware of that. They've had a great season with their manager, the way of play. It's a team that is really hard to beat. We are looking forward to the challenge and the evidence is we can beat them.’