The Ghanaian winger is the man in focus inside the latest issue of UNITED, as the Magpies take on a side with whom Atsu spent a loan spell in the 2014/15 campaign.

Over eight pages, the 27-year-old discusses his fine start to the season and his thoughts when he found himself back on the substitutes’ bench after some encouraging displays.

Atsu – who started his first game since September against Burnley earlier this month – also speaks about his mindset as he looks to re-establish himself in Steve Bruce’s line-up, as well as his memories of the Christmases he spent in Ada Foah, in his homeland, as a child.

Also inside Saturday’s issue, Jim Pearson – who spent four years at Everton before joining United in 1978 – looks back at his time with both clubs.

Goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka talks skydiving, Slovakian Christmas traditions and sleeping outdoors in this week’s Toon Tombola.

And Paul Joannou looks back at royal visits to St. James’ Park over the decades, while Mo Sangare is profiled in High Hopes.

Head coach Bruce and captain Jamaal Lascelles also pen their regular columns.

There are a number of ways of getting your hands on a copy of UNITED…

At the ground

Firstly, on home matchdays copies will be sold around St. James’ Park by sellers and in the club shop for just £3, allowing you to easily pick up the perfect accompaniment to your matchday.

At home

This season, you can have every league and cup programme drop through your letterbox via ProgrammeMaster’s subscription service, costing just £110 for UK residents which includes all the postage and packaging.

If you don’t live in the UK, then they also offer worldwide shipping, allowing you to receive your programmes wherever you are supporting them in the world. Get your subscription here.

ProgrammeMaster also sell individual copies for just £3 plus postage.