Manchester United face a difficult third consecutive away trip as they return to Premier League action against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Red Devils were left frustrated after drawing 3-3 away to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, leaving them on the cusp of elimination from the competition. While they have struggled for results in Europe, Erik ten Hag’s side have picked up form of late. They made it five wins in the last six league games following the 3-0 beating of Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
However, Ten Hag and Co. will be up for an uphill task against an otherwise injury-ravaged Newcastle side, who come into this game off the back of a controversial 1-1 draw with PSG in the Champions League.
Manchester United Team News
Marcus Rashford should be in contention for a return after being suspended in the 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the Champions League. Mason Mount has returned to training but remains out for now. Tyrell Malacia is due back from a knee injury in January, after suffering a setback in his recovery earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Amad are all currently sidelined, but Antony and Rasmus Hojlund started and did well in Turkey after missing the win over Everton.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana made two high-profile mistakes in Man United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in midweek, yet Erik ten Hag is expected to stick with the Cameroonian in goal. He will be desperate to redeem himself with a strong showing against the Magpies.
Defence
Erik ten Hag’s side will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation again, where Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should form their defence. Maguire will continue partnering Lindelof at the heart of Man United’s defence, with Wan-Bissaka and Shaw operating from the right-back and left-back positions respectively.
The Red Devils’ back four will look to ensure they keep their third clean sheet in a row on the road in the Premier League.
Midfield
Praised for his performance against Everton at Goodison Park, young Kobbie Mainoo is expected to be restored in midfield against Newcastle after starting the Champions League game in Turkey on the bench. He will form the double pivot with Scott McTominay, as the duo look to protect the backline and keep things ticking in the middle of the park.
Bruno Fernandes should act as the creative glue between midfield and attack as usual. The Portuguese playmaker’s role will be vital in unlocking the well-drilled Newcastle defence.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will provide width to Man United’s attacks. They will feature out wide and look to feed striker Rasmus Hojlund in the box whilst helping out the full-backs when required.
If the visitors need fresh legs in attack, Ten Hag could turn to Antony, Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Martial.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
