The Magpies have failed to win at Old Trafford since 1972 and boss Keegan wants them to play without fear tomorrow on a ground where he has never enjoyed victory as a manager.

But a defiant Keegan said: "That's all in the past. We have just got to look forward now.

"It is no good looking back and saying we have had no luck and things like that.

"We have to make our own luck and we have that chance now to take this club forward."

Keegan expects his side - boosted by the signing of Argentinian defender Fabrizio Coloccini - to rise to the challenge they face against Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Keegan added: "Obviously, it is a tough game for us but it is still a good game for us.

"Yes, everyone expects them to beat us. But it is an opportunity for us.

"We have to work and we have to stick together. You need a bit of luck to win any football match, and you perhaps need a bit more sometimes at Old Trafford.

"Now we have an opportunity to put that record straight and put that stat behind us."

Keegan was appointed as Newcastle manager four days after last season's six-goal defeat at Old Trafford.

This time Keegan takes a a team to Old Trafford without injured captain Michael Owen so Nicky Butt will lead the side.

Like Butt, former Red Devils striker Alan Smith will also be returning to his former club.

"It's lovely to go back to your old club and get a result even if you enjoyed your time there," said Keegan.

"To go there and get beaten is never pleasant, but to go there and get beaten 6-0 will have hurt Nicky Butt and Alan Smith.

"They can put that one behind them. That one will be history and everyone will be talking about Sunday's result."

Newcastle will also be without injured strikers Mark Viduka and Andy Carroll but Obafemi Martins is available after his return from a knee injury.