Man Utd vs Newcastle United: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
Ruben Amorim faces a midfield rethink.
Ruben Amorim faces a midfield rethink when Manchester United host Newcastle United for a Premier League clash at Old Trafford tonight.
The Red Devils are without both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte for their final game of 2024 against Eddie Howe’s men.
The United captain is suspended after being sent off in the Boxing Day defeat at Wolves, with Ugarte missing out after receiving five yellow cards.
Christian Eriksen or Casemiro could come into central midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, while Fernandes’ absence could provide an opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho who has not started any of United’s last five games.
Harry Maguire is expected to continue in central defence and Amorim hinted that the Englishman could take the captain’s armband against Eddie Howe’s side.
‘You will have to wait until the game and see the captain,’ Amorim said last week.
On Maguire, he added: ‘He works really well, he is focused on the job and not what people say. He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments.
‘I think in that department he is an example. He is there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.’
Elsewhere in defence, Matthijs de Ligt could come back into the XI to face the Magpies after his recent bout of illness.
The Dutch international was an unused substitute against Wolves on Boxing Day but could displace Lisandro Martinez or Leny Yoro in the heart of defence.
Elsewhere in defence, Victor Lindelof is unlikely to feature having picked up an injury against Tottenham, while Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee having suffered a setback with his rehabilitation at the start of the month.
Mason Mount is another long-term absentee, with the midfielder not expected to return from his latest injury until at least January.
Marcus Rashford remains fit and available for selection but has not featured in United’s last four matchday squads.
The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford remains up the in air after he publically admitted that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’.
Speaking after their defeat to Wolves, Amorim insisted that the forward is still not showing enough to warrant a return to the squad.
It’s always the same reason it’s going to be,’ Amorim told Amazon Prime. ‘We have to be the same professionals, I have to be the same guy winning or losing.
‘Losing, I have to be stronger so I will continue with my idea until the end.’
Asked if Rashford has shown anything different since being left out, Amorim replied: ‘If he is not here you can make up your mind.’
Predicted Man Utd XI to face Newcastle United
Onana, Martinez, De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dalot, Antony, Amad, Hojlund
Where to watch Man Utd vs Newcastle? Kick-off time and TV channel
Man Utd vs Newcastle kicks off at 8pm on Monday, December 30.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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