Manchester United will be seeking an immediate response to the derby day humiliation when they host Newcastle United for Wednesday’s fourth-round Carabao Cup tie at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ three-game winning run across all formats was snapped ruthlessly by Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. The result leaves eighth in the league table after 10 games. Erik ten Hag would want to put behind the forgettable derby day and continue the Carabao Cup title defence in midweek.
The Dutchman’s side put three past Crystal Palace without reply to cruise into the last 16 but face a different test against Newcastle, who beat Man City 1-0 in the third round of the competition.
Manchester United Team News
Casemiro (ankle) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (thigh) were not fit in time for the Manchester derby, but both men should be in with a chance of making the squad against Newcastle. Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute on Sunday and could be in contention to feature in midweek.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are still out, as is Amad Diallo, although the young winger has started individual training on the grass at Carrington.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Erik ten Hag denied Altay Bayindir his debut in the Carabao Cup third-round meeting against Crystal Palace, and Andre Onana—who is slowly but certainly redeeming himself—seems set to continue in goal for the time being.
Defence
After the chastening derby day on Sunday, Ten Hag should not be opposed to rotating his squad in midweek. Changes are expected in defence, where Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane could come in for Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, but Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire’s places are seemingly safe.
The Man United back four must stay focused throughout the game to keep a clean sheet against a potent Newcastle attack.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat should be good to go after being taken off at half time against Man City. He should be tasked with shielding the shaky backline, offering the No.8s to move higher up the pitch and do the damage in the final third.
Mason Mount, who came on as a substitute against Man City, could get the nod to operate alongside skipper Bruno Fernandes, and the two No.8s must provide energy, creativity and running power to help the home side win the midfield battles against the Magpies.
Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen should drop to the bench. Casemiro, if passed fit, will be available for some minutes in the second half.
Attack
With Marcus Rashford misfiring, Ten Hag could hand Alejandro Garnacho a start on the left flank and expect the youngster to offer something different in attack. Antony could be restored to the starting XI, with the Brazilian raring to make a mark from the opposite flank.
Garnacho and Antony will look to provide service for Rasmus Hojlund, who still awaits his first domestic goal for the Red Devils. Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri and Rashford could be brought on if United need fresh impetus in attack.
