Manchester United face Newcastle as they aim to qualify for the Champions League through sixth place finish in Premier League. Here’s how both sides could line up in this crucial clash.
Manchester United are expected to welcome back Darren Fletcher and Scott McTominay after missing their teams’ 0-0 draw with Arsenal over the weekend. Jonny Evans could start in their place while Lisandro Martinez could also appear from the bench. For those eagerly anticipating Man United vs Newcastle United F.C. lineups, these player updates may have a significant impact on the starting XI.
Goalkeeper
As Manchester United and Newcastle battle it out for sixth place, every point counts towards qualifying for either the Europa League or falling back into Conference League competition.
Both teams come into this match with battered defences that have allowed over one goal per Premier League game this season, although Antony Fernandes’ return should provide United with much-needed attacking reinforcements.
Andre Onana will start at Old Trafford as Manchester United’s backup goalkeeper and is likely to retain his starting place, despite an underwhelming debut season. Kieran Trippier could keep his starting spot at right-back while Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka vie for one spot at left back.
Both sides lack options in midfield, struggling to create chances in the final third of the pitch. Newcastle’s defensive prowess could prove key here; however, they may struggle against an organized Man United side.
Goalkeeper Dubravka came to United’s aid early on in this match, denying Amad’s angle shot and Dan Burn’s header from being taken. Additionally, United keeper was on alert to stop Lewis Hall from scoring on one occasion later.
Kobbie Mainoo took advantage of a pass by Fabian Schar, sneaking through to him, to calmly place the ball into the far corner for the hosts just after half-an-hour mark. Jose Mourinho’s side came close to an equaliser when they pushed forward but Fabian Schar’s clearance prevented Scott McTominay from scoring an easy goal.
Eddie Howe will be without injured defenders Jamaal Lascelles (calf), Joe Willock (back), and Lewis Miley (knee). Midfielders Matt Targett (Achilles tendonitis), Sven Botman (calf injury), Harvey Barnes (shoulder), as well as Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes are also unknown for St James Park visit, however fit-again Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon could still make appearances under Howe.
Manchester United are without Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling for this matchup, while Marcos Rojo remains unavailable due to injury. Mourinho may opt to name his strongest possible lineup despite these absences.
Defenders
Manchester United’s defense has been compromised by numerous injuries, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof among others sidelined due to illness or injury. Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman should play for them while Willy Kambwala and Lisandro Martinez could return shortly for this match as well as Marcus Rashford suffering a minor setback that is unlikely to impact on selection decisions.
Evans and Laporte should provide a strong central-defence partnership, providing aerial threat at set pieces while Kieran Trippier should cover right-back while Diogo Dalot will likely assume left-back duty in this match.
Midfielders Andre Onana, Casemiro, Evans and Dalot will join defenders McTominay and Fernandes to form an effective backline. McTominay should contribute attackingly while Casemiro should ensure stability at center back.
Newcastle are hoping to secure their first top six finish since Sir Bobby Robson took charge. They currently sit one point clear of sixth position and could benefit from players such as Bruno Fernandes and Willy Kambwala returning. Unfortunately they still lack key personnel like Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia due to injury.
Newcastle United are expected to field an XI of Dubravka; Trippier, Krafth, Burn and Hall; Anderson; Guimaraes, Longstaff Joelinton Almiron Isak Gordon with Lewis Miley unlikely to feature and Antony possibly making his debut in a defensive role.
Midfielders
Manchester United vs Newcastle United: Both clubs are fighting hard for a Champions League qualification spot, so victory in this game would be a huge boost towards that goal. Plus, it will showcase two of England’s prestigious clubs – rivalries that run deep! – which means it should provide plenty of skill, passion and drama; both squads possess skilled players capable of creating opportunities within this matchup; it will be an engaging clash of styles and philosophies!
Red Devils fans should welcome back Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes, but will miss injured duo Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount, with Mount needing to recover in time to be fit for FA Cup final on May 25. Victor Lindelof and Amad Diallo could make up part of that team as well.
Casemiro should form part of a double pivot with Kobbie Mainoo; Casemiro should control the game while Mainoo should create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Callum Wilson missed last weekend’s draw with Brighton due to a hamstring strain, and is uncertain for this match due to a thigh complaint. Fabian Schar is also uncertain for this contest.
Newcastle are in good form heading into this matchup, having won four of their seven away games since September and showing signs of strength against rival teams. Expect an upset this time!
Both teams possess outstanding midfielders, but it is clear that Newcastle possess more potency offensively. Mainoo and Almiron are known for their pace and ability to beat defenders – two players who will give Manchester United’s midfield a run for its money.
The Magpies also possess a potency from their wings, especially with Yohan Cabaye back from Arsenal winger Yohan Cabaye returning as a threat from both ends. He can create and score goals for his team; making him an indispensable part of their attack against Red Devils.
Forwards
Eddie Howe will likely opt for Anthony Gordon as their centre forward, who can be supported up front by Alexander Isak who looks impressive when in possession. Jacob Murphy and Dan Burn will likely provide support, although it seems unlikely that Burn will start ahead of Charlie Daniels.
71 minutes: A brilliant save by Dubravka preserves a scoreline of 1-0. He deflected off Isak’s low shot before stopping Dalot’s long-range strike with great efficiency.
Isak fails to convert a corner kick played into the box. He tries to find Gordon but fails as well.
75 minutes: As the game intensifies, Isak attempts to find Newcastle an opening goal but his attempt at shooting is blocked by their opponents.
Now back underway, the game recommences with Isak having another chance to break the deadlock for his side – only for it to miss its mark this time around.
85 mins: Amad Diallo attempts a shot from outside the box but his effort is blocked, prompting treatment by the physio on the touchline.
Erik ten Hag has made two changes to his team, replacing Kobbie Mainoo with Rasmus Hojlund due to injury and swapping Dalot and Martinez around in central defence alongside Casemiro respectively. All other positions remain the same.
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