Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Sunday, hoping to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.
Erik ten Hag’s side earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia in their Europa League Group E clash on Thursday to keep their hopes of topping the group alive. They have responded well following the derby defeat to Manchester City, winning three games across all competitions.
The Red Devils beat Everton 2-1 away last time out but face a tricky test from an in-form Newcastle side tomorrow.
Harry Maguire, Donny Van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are still out injured for Manchester United. Anthony Martial is a big doubt for Sunday’s fixture after missing the 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia with a back problem.
Scott McTominay, who scored the stoppage-time winner against Omonia in midweek, will serve a one-game suspension after picking up five yellow cards for the season last weekend against Everton.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea is a certainty to make his ninth Premier League appearance of the season for Man United, having started all eight before under Erik ten Hag.
Defence
Ten Hag is expected to stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation against Newcastle United. In front of De Gea, Lisandro Martinez should form the central defensive pairing with fit-again Raphael Varane in the Man United lineup, who made a cameo appearance off the bench at Everton last time out.
Varane’s physicality, heading ability and reading of the game will be required in the Man United backline to keep a strong and pacey Newcastle attack at bay. Diogo Dalot is a guaranteed starter at right-back in the Man United lineup, with Luke Shaw getting the nod ahead of Tyrell Malacia at left-back after an impactful substitute appearance against Omonia.
Midfield
Having impressed on his first Premier League start at Everton, Casemiro deserves to keep his place in the Man United lineup. The Brazilian will sit just in front of the back four, break up the opposition’s play and initiate attacks from deep. He will form a double pivot with Christian Eriksen, whose passing range and vision in the middle of the park could be key in releasing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony down the flanks.
Bruno Fernandes is a crucial cog in Ten Hag’s side and, despite not being in the best of forms, he has the support of the United boss. The Portuguese will look to combine with Eriksen in the final third and create opportunities for his teammates.
Attack
With Anthony Martial a big doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo is primed to lead the Man United attack. Having scored the 700th goal in his club career in the 2-1 win over Everton, the Portuguese superstar will be hungry to get himself on the scoresheet against Eddie Howe’s side.
Marcus Rashford and Antony are expected to start out wide in the Man United lineup, hoping to use their pace and dribbling ability to get in behind the Newcastle backline and create opportunities for Ronaldo in the box.
Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Fred could be involved in the second half of the game if required.
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