Mainoo starts in 3 big changes | Expected Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Newcastle United as Erik Ten Hag set to Bench Onana for the very first time at St James pack test today
Manchester United travel to St James’ Park for today’s late Premier League kick-off against Newcastle United.
The Red Devils have won three league games on the bounce, but have been disappointing in Europe. They played out a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The club will be aiming to return to winning ways this evening. Ahead of the game, manager Erik ten Hag could make at least three changes. Marcus Rashford should start after his suspension in midweek.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana made two high-profile errors in the 3-3 draw in Istanbul but he continues to remain the undisputed choice in goal. He has received the public backing from the manager and will be aiming to make amends with his sixth clean sheet of the top-flight campaign.
In front of him, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should continue at right-back to deal with the offensive threat from Anthony Gordon. He did splendidly to keep Wilfried Zaha at bay on Wednesday. At left-back, Luke Shaw seems an automatic choice over Sergio Reguilon after his return from injury.
Harry Maguire is now an undisputed starter from the right central defensive position. He has been partnered by Victor Lindelof in recent weeks, but it could be time for Raphael Varane to start. The World Cup winner has surprisingly been on the bench due to tactical reasons.
In midfield, Scott McTominay looks a nailed-on starter in the number eight position in the continued absence of Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount. The latter has returned to training but Ten Hag has confirmed that he is not ready to be involved against the Magpies.
Kobbie Mainoo should get the nod over Sofyan Amrabat in the holding midfield role. The United graduate had a superb full league debut at Everton last weekend but was only a substitute in midweek. The teenager should be reinstated into the XI ahead of Amrabat.
Further forward, Alejandro Garnacho is undroppable at the moment on the back of scoring in successive games. The United graduate is set to start on the left wing. Antony had his best game of the season from the right wing but should still make way for Rashford, who was suspended on Wednesday.
Rasmus Hojlund is an assured starter for the Red Devils when fit and available. The Dane has yet to score in the Premier League but has netted five times in Europe. He has the opportunity to redeem himself at St James’ Park which has been a fortress for the Magpies in recent months.
