Sir Alex’s men will be looking to bounce back following Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, which ended our chances of winning the Treble.
That disappointment has already been tempered somewhat by Arsenal’s failure to beat Liverpool in the league on Sunday, which left United six points clear at the top.
"Knowing Sir Alex Ferguson and the way they work, they'll be coming here to make a point," Magpies boss Alan Pardew said.
"The Arsenal result has probably given them a lift. When you get a big defeat like the Cup semi-final, you want a lift and that couldn't have been better from their perspective."
United have the chance to move nine points ahead of the Gunners tonight, so Pardew expects his counterpart to field his strongest team. Wayne Rooney, for one, will return following his two-game ban.
"The one thing I do know about Sir Alex is there is no way he will underestimate this game," Pardew said.
"He knows that coming to St James' Park is a tough game regardless of what team goes out in the black and white shirt, because of the atmosphere and the history of the game.
"This is a proper game for Manchester United and I expect him to pick what he thinks is his best XI."
Despite Saturday’s setback, United are still in a great position to claim a possible league and Champions League double – not bad for a side some have claimed is not as strong as United teams of the past.
"Over the years, you could argue that they have had better teams – but this team doesn't seem to be listening to that and the stats are suggesting that this is as good as any they have had," Pardew added.
"They have a fantastic opportunity to get to the Champions League final, and they are probably going to win the Premier League.
"I think Sir Alex will be fairly pleased with that."
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