Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to Newcastle United, following their midweek disappointment in Europe.
Erik ten Hag’s side twice let two-goal leads slip in Turkey on Wednesday as Galatasaray earned a 3-3 draw that leaves United with a tenuous chance of progressing to the Champions League last-16.
But domestically, things have been much better in recent weeks, and the Red Devils are the most in-form side in the league, even if the performances haven’t always matched those results. United have won five of the last six, and last time out beat Everton 3-0.
Alejandro Garnacho scored a sensational overhead kick at Goodison Park and was on target in Istanbul. He’ll hope to continue that impressive run against Newcastle, and is expected to start on the left wing.
That’s the position Marcus Rashford prefers, but it would be difficult to justify starting the England international on the left ahead of Garnacho. The forward netted just his second goal of the season in the win over Everton and was suspended for the midweek trip to Galatasaray. If Rashford is to start at St James’ Park, it could be on the right wing, although Antony produced a rare impressive display in that position on Wednesday.
Rasmus Hojlund may also be a slight concern ahead of the game. The striker returned from injury in midweek and played just under an hour. If he’s not deemed fit enough to start two games in just four days, Anthony Martial may be selected, or Rashford could operate centrally.
Luke Shaw is in a similar position to Hojlund, having recovered from a recent injury and has played in the last two, while Ten Hag has switched his right-backs in the last two games. With all that in mind, here’s how we think United could line up against Newcastle…
1. GK : Andre Onana
Had another night to forget on Wednesday as the goalkeeper gave away two soft goals from free-kicks.
2. RB: Diogo Dalot
The Portugal defender started against Everton, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka was selected in Turkey. Dalot might be given the nod at Newcastle.
3. CB: Harry Maguire
United's most consistent player over the last two months.
4. CB: Luke Shaw
We're predicting the ex-Southampton man will start, even though he's only recently recovered from a long-term injury. Sergio Reguilon does offer an alternative if needed.