Man Utd predicted lineup vs Newcastle

Erik ten Hag may well be overseeing his final home game as Manchester United manager on Wednesday night as Newcastle United visit a decrepit Old Trafford.

Sunday’s downpour which arrived at the end of United’s tame 1-0 defeat to title hopefuls Arsenal further exposed the antiquated Theatre of Dreams, once an amphitheatre worthy of awe.

The Red Devils are limping to the finish line, both literally and figuratively, with their chances of securing European football for next season reducing rather drastically over the past ten days.

Ten Hag’s injury woes are unlikely to improve given the quick turnaround and here’s the starting XI he could pick for Newcastle‘s midweek visit.

GK: Andre Onana – United’s issues across the board mean Onana’s rather underwhelming debut season has been swept under the carpet. He performed pretty well on Sunday, though.

RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Ten Hag has stuck with Wan-Bissaka at right-back despite his clunkiness in possession. A duel with Anthony Gordon awaits.

CB: Willy Kambwala – The young defender returned from injury at the weekend, enjoying a brief cameo off the bench. Given Casemiro’s struggles in the backline, Kambwala could replace the veteran Brazilian.

CB: Jonny Evans – The Northern Irishman kept Kai Havertz in check on Sunday and is a shoo-in to start on Wednesday given the long list of centre-backs United have out. Lisandro Martinez could push for a return to the squad.

LB: Diogo Dalot – Dalot, as has been the case for much of the season, was a bright spark for United at the weekend. The versatile defender will continue at left-back after Luke Shaw suffered another injury setback.

CM: Sofyan Amrabat – It’s been a rough year for Amrabat, who may well be playing his final game at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Ten Hag has offered Mainoo little respite in recent weeks. The youngster could perhaps do with a rest, but that’s unlikely to come on Wednesday.

RW: Amad Diallo – Diallo was in the wars against Arsenal but produced a very bright performance in what was a rare start for the youngster.

AM: Bruno Fernandes – The club captain has now missed two games through injury and it remains to be seen whether he’ll feature in midweek. Given there was optimism before the Arsenal game regarding a return, Fernandes should be in contention on Wednesday night.

LW: Alejandro Garnacho – While he failed to produce in the final third, United were, for much of the second half, a one-man attack on Sunday. Garnacho was relentless but his output has dried up.

ST: Rasmus Hojlund – United need more from their big-money summer arrival. Outside of his impressive purple patch at the start of 2024, Hojlund has done little to suggest he’s worthy of leading the club’s line for years to come. Still, there’s plenty of time to develop.

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