Kevin Keegan will put another flurry of speculation behind him as he attempts to spring a major shock on Sir Alex Ferguson. Newcastle United entertain Manchester United at St James' Park on Saturday evening with all bets off as they attempt to end a run of nine Barclays Premier League games without a win.

It would come as a huge surprise if they were able to do that against the reigning champions at the end of a week that has seen insiders deny rumours owner Mike Ashley has put the club up for sale amid suggestions Alan Shearer has been asked to head a consortium to buy the billionaire out.

However, few would have expected what happened the last time Keegan sent a Newcastle side out against United at St James' on October 20, 1996. Newcastle's 5-0 victory that day, which came only months after they were pipped to the title by Ferguson's men, was one of the high points of Keegan's first spell in charge, and having guided Manchester City to 3-1 and 4-1 wins over their arch-rivals since, he has fared better than most against the Scot.

"I don't know what my record is like against Sir Alex, but I don't think it is as bad as some managers," Keegan said. "I'm sure it is not the worst. They have got the form and we have not, so we will see if we can surprise a few people. We have had a little bit of a break and we have worked the players a little bit harder.

"We gave them a couple of days off, but they are back now and fresh - and we know what is ahead of us on Saturday. I have been pleased and we are building up to what is a very big game for us."

Newcastle have not played since they surrendered a 1-0 lead at Aston Villa to lose 4-1 on February 9, but Keegan is convinced his players will be ready. "Two weeks without a game has been a long time, and the last game against Aston Villa was not a good performance," he said. "Man United will have had two games by the time they play us, so we have little things going for us."

Keegan will hope keeper Shay Given has shaken off the groin injury he picked up at Villa Park, although he will not make a decision until Friday, while Obafemi Martins remains a doubt with the ankle problem he suffered on African Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria.