Jetro Willems missed a league game for the first time in ten matches against Crystal Palace but his injury is not thought to be serious.

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The Netherlands international has put in several accomplished performances since his arrival in the north-east and his absence last weekend was a surprise.

Paul Dummett took his place at left wing-back and looked assured if unspectacular, completing two tackles and winning two aerial duels. However, Steve Bruce reported that the 28-year-old picked up a groin injury, and that could make him a doubt for the trip to Manchester United.

Willems, on the other hand, is back in contention to face the Red Devils, and that will be welcome news to several Magpies fans, many of whom have become enamoured with the defender since he joined.

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The on-loan Frankfurt man has been effective for Newcastle in both attack and defence this term and provides great balance to the left flank, which makes him a very useful player for Bruce.

While the Magpies improved against the Eagles in comparison to the Burnley display, they still only managed two shots on target aside from the goal, and that was partly due to a lack of width.

Bruce decided not to operate with wingers for the first time in a long while, and without Willems and DeAndre Yedlin using their pace to their advantage, Newcastle's wing-backs were limited going forward.

Willems has certainly impressed, bagging against both Liverpool and Manchester City and thus, he should be a boost for the side at Old Trafford.

A lot of supporters are keen for the club to trigger his €11m [£9.4m] transfer clause, which was agreed between the two clubs as part of the loan deal which took him to St. James' Park.

His fitness has been consistent for the majority of the season, and that should encourage Bruce to make the move permanent, and January could provide the perfect time for that to take place.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans were left joyous on Saturday after Miguel Almiron finally scored his first goal for the club.