Manchester United will be desperate to close 2024 with a Premier League win on board when they welcome Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
The Red Devils have lost their last three matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Wolves, with the team failing to build on their 2-1 success in the Manchester derby in the middle of the month. As a result, they have dropped to 14th spot in the Premier League table, picking up just 22 points from 18 matches, leaving them only eight points above the dreaded drop zone.
The challenge for Ruben Amorim only gets graver as his team come up against an in-form Newcastle side, who have won their last three Premier League games.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United will be without the services of both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte on Monday through suspension, with the former sent off against Wolves, while the latter picked up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side did not suffer any fresh injury concerns in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, though, with Matthijs de Ligt returning to the squad after missing the last couple of games due to illness.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was again left out of the squad against Wolves, and it appears unlikely that the England international will return for the clash with Newcastle.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Newcastle United (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana was caught out of position for Matheus Cunha’s incredible Olympic goal in the 2-0 defeat at Wolves. The Cameroonian has started making far too many mistakes for the manager’s liking of late, although his position doesn’t appear under threat at the moment. He will be desperate to redeem himself with a clean performance in goal against the Magpies.
Defence
In front of Onana, Amorim may decide to stick with the same back three that started at Wolves. Harry Maguire could captain Man United in Fernandes’ absence while marshalling the troops from the central centre-back position. He will have the support of Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro on either side, with De Ligt expected to start on the bench again.
The troika have to be on their toes from minute one until last to keep Alexander Isak and Co. quiet on Monday evening.
Midfield
With Fernandes and Ugarte suspended, Amorim has to make changes to his midfield. Casemiro will be the natural replacement for Ugarte in the No.6 role, and the Brazilian has to do his best to stop the Magpies from dictating terms in midfield. He could partner Christian Eriksen in the double pivot, hoping to bring some creative spark.
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot should be the wing-backs again. They will try to stretch Newcastle’s defence but have to be defensively resolute to keep their attacking full-backs and wingers quiet.
Attack
Kobbie Mainoo could be pushed forward to take Fernandes’ position. The youngster’s ball control, link-up and movement can create problems for the visitors’ defence. He could be partnered by Amad Diallo, who has been Man United’s best player under Amorim.
The duo will be responsible for creating opportunities for Rasmus Hojlund in the box. Joshua Zirkzee, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho should come off the bench when required.
