Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may opt to make several changes to his team for the visit of Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Red Devils face a tough week of fixtures beginning with Newcastle, which is followed by daunting matches against Tottenham Hotspur and then Chelsea. United play nine games this month and were in action on Thursday when they beat Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in the Europa League. Therefore, Ten Hag could be tempted to rotate his team at the weekend.
However, he will be without at least five players for Sunday’s game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek and Harry Maguire are all injured, although Ten Hag said on Thursday that he hopes the latter will be back in training next week. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay picked up his fifth league booking of the season in last week’s win over Everton, meaning he’s suspended for Sunday, while Martin Dubravka is ineligible to face his parent side.
But one player who could be in line to return is Anthony Martial. The forward picked up a knock at Goodison Park last week and missed the Omonia win on Thursday. Yet speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said he’s hopeful Martial will have recovered in time for the clash with Newcastle. “Anthony Martial can be [available] but we have to wait [to see] how he develops in the coming hours,” revealed the Dutchman.
There’s certainly plenty for the United manager to ponder ahead of this weekend’s game; does he rush Martial back? Should Raphael Varane immediately return to the team? And how vital is it for the Red Devils to rotate their squad?
With all that in mind, here’s how we think the team will line-up, including the three players Ten Hag could recall to the starting XI…
However, he will be without at least five players for Sunday’s game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek and Harry Maguire are all injured, although Ten Hag said on Thursday that he hopes the latter will be back in training next week. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay picked up his fifth league booking of the season in last week’s win over Everton, meaning he’s suspended for Sunday, while Martin Dubravka is ineligible to face his parent side.
5. Luke Shaw
Is in good form and impressed last weekend in the win over Everton. Tyrell Malacia is currently out of favour and has been replaced in all of his last three starts.
6. Casemiro
No McTominay means Casemiro should start on Sunday, and he can expect a tough afternoon against Newcastle’s industrious midfield.
7. Christian Eriksen
Was given a slight rest in midweek when he started on the bench against Omonia, but Eriksen has missed just 14 minutes of league action this campaign and is likely to return to the team.
8. Antony
Became the first United player to score in his first three league games, by netting against Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton. Jadon Sancho is also an option after he did well following his introduction in midweek.