saint allan maximin
Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed he chose to stay at Newcastle United this summer because of his “connection” with the Magpies supporters. The 24-year-old forward has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing start to the season for the Magpies. Steve Bruce’s side are without a win in all competitions and come up against a Manchester United side buoyed by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Magpies come up against a Red Devils side that has started the season well, taking seven points from their opening three games and have enjoyed a successful transfer window, bringing in the likes of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Ronaldo. It’s a complete contrast to summer proceedings at Newcastle, but Saint-Maximin has faith that they’ll be able to come away from Old Trafford with a win to kick start their season.
Allan Saint-Maximin said: “I know we have a tough game at the weekend against Manchester United. We are working a lot in training which is why I feel a little bit tired but it’s really important because we need a win. The win to start the season and even if we play against Manchester United, we know if every player gives the best they can give, we can win this game so lets do it. The Premier League is really tough. I saw their game against Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton had a lot of chances to win the match. Even if it’s Manchester United it’s not like invincible. We have to keep going and to try to do the best things we can do to win the game. If we can’t win then we don’t want to lose. That’s the type of mentality we have to have.”
Much of the pre-game build-up has been around the return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford this summer, but Saint-Maximin says the Magpies can’t just focus on the Portuguese international this weekend. The Newcastle forward was on the scoresheet in the same fixture last season but Manchester United ran out 3-1 winners.
Allan Saint-Maximin said: “Even before Ronaldo signed they had a great team and they win games. So, for sure, with Cristiano Ronaldo now, they can look much better but we have to stay focussed. If we just think about Ronaldo we’re going to lose the game for sure. We have to stay focussed and feel like it’s just football. If you give your best and give everything, anything can happen. We have to do it. I scored there last season at Old Trafford but we didn’t win the game. That’s what I always say – I don’t care about scoring, it’s more important that my team win. I will try to do my best because I’m sure the world will watch this game because of Ronaldo, but I know my quality. I know what I can do on the pitch and I know it’ll be a really hard game against Manchester United. I know what I can do and everyone will see what I can do on the pitch.”
The French forward was linked with a move away from St. James’ Park again this summer, but no bids ever came to fruition and the former Nice winger has paid tribute to Magpies fans, stating their “connection” as the reason behind him staying.
Allan Saint Maximin said: “It was a really good connection. That’s why I decided to stay at Newcastle for the love they give me. The support they give me and they deserve more to be honest. That’s why you know, last season without supporters it was a long time. Every goal I scored I couldn’t celebrate with the supporters so, I really feel in my head, you have to score quick to go and see the crowd. That’s what I do. I thought it was the winning goal but they scored two minutes after in the 96th minute. This can happen so I have to keep going and to do my best to help the team win.”
The Magpies face an uphill task this weekend with the Red Devils in fine form and history on the side of their opponents this weekend. Newcastle have won just one of their last 37 away league games at Old Trafford and are in desperate need of their first win of the season.
Allan Saint-Maximin said: “It’s difficult when you feel everything is against you. We’ve conceded three penalties and it’s hard but that’s what I say. Sometimes this happens. It’s better to have some penalties at the start of the season rather than when you finish. Everyone feels good because we know how we work hard in training. That’s why I’m tired today because we’ve been working hard and doing some good stuff in training. We have to keep going – to go again and again, even if things go against Newcastle again. We have to keep our head up because if the head goes down it’s more difficult for everyone. I’m not sure every player thinks about the statistics. One thing we know is that if every player does what they have to do on the pitch, even myself, we know we can do something. If we stay together, we know for sure we can do something. Now it’s not just about know, it’s about show. We have to do it now and quicker because if we keep losing every game it’s a problem.”
