Pardew not underestimating Red Devils

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes Manchester United are still the team to beat as his side prepares to face them on Wednesday.

Pardew’s men are seventh in the Premier League and will be keen to take advantage of United’s recent defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

But despite the upset loss against Blackburn, Pardew still believes the reigning Premier League champions are favourites for this season’s title.

“I think they’ve had injuries for sure. I’m well informed that there will be a few back for this game, and I’m not surprised by that because I think Alex (Ferguson) knows it’s a tough game coming to Newcastle, so I expect to see a few of the more famous names on that sheet,” Pardew said.

“When you look at their squad they still have the biggest and best squad in the division and that’s why they are the champions.”

“They still hold the medals and that says a lot for their squad. They are still the champions and we have to respect that.”

The Newcastle boss remained tight-lipped on the club’s January transfer strategy as he looks to mount a top-six charge.

“We have to be very careful how we negotiate and discuss things, so we are not going to say much to the media in this window, so I will apologise to you all for that,” he said.

“We will keep our cards close to our chest, but we are out there and looking at the market.”

“The gap has got closer between the top six… they are all jostling at the moment and it’s up to teams like us to try and close that gap between us and the top six.”

“At the moment we are the seventh best team in the division and that’s what we are trying to do.”