By Craig Hope

TERRY McDermott insists that the Magpies will relish the challenge of taking on Manchester United in the opening game of next season rather than head to Old Trafford in fear of the European champions.

The Premier League fixture computer has thrown up the toughest of first-day fixtures for KK's boys with a subsequent away trip to Arsenal a fortnight later looking equally as testing.

But, rather than be daunted by facing two of the Top Four within weeks of the season's start, coach Terry believes that it could be the ideal time to tackle the big guns.

"If there is a good time to go to Old Trafford then this might be it," he told nufc.co.uk.

"That was certainly the case last year when Reading went there and got a draw in the first game.

"A lot of their players have been at the Euros and will miss a lot of pre-season and I think that will be to our advantage.

"But Man United are a fantastic team and they proved that last year.

"They've got terrific players throughout their side and it will be a very, very difficult game.

"But, hopefully with the players we bring in, we will be able to go there and maybe get something.

"I definitely think that it's a game to look forward to rather than fear.

"What better place, other than St.James' Park, is there to kick off your season in front of 70,000 fans?"