Manchester United v Newcastle United: Preview, team news and predictions
By Alec Hughes
Tonight, Erik ten Hag puts out a team at Old Trafford for what could be the last time. The reported cancellation of the club’s end of season awards show has led to speculation that Ten Hag is on thin ice.
Manchester United have only managed one win from the last five meetings with Newcastle and given the home side’s dismal form, that run is unlikely to improve greatly.
Champions League qualification is off the table for both sides, so the Europa League - or more probably the Conference League for United is the goal. Whether either side would wish to compete in the Conference League is an interesting matter and this could well prove to be another leg of the slow bicycle race to avoid the ignominy of playing the likes of Spartak Trnava or Zorja Lohansk.
Team news:
The United boss desperately needs his team to come into some form and his lineup could be bolstered by the return of Lisandro Martinez. The Butcher is close to full fitness and would offer United more solidity and allow United to progress the ball more effectively from defence.
Bruno Fernandes could recover in time for the visit of Newcastle and could be linking up with Amad Diallo who despite being forced off with a knee injury against Arsenal, should be fit for the clash with the Magpies.
One man who will not be available on Wednesday night is Raphael Varane. The World Cup winner announced this week that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Frenchman won’t play but will salute the fans who will get the opportunity to give him a send-off.
It could also be an Old Trafford farewell for Casemiro. The Brazilian is said to be attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Minority owner Sir Jim Radcliffe has already made public that he was not a fan of the Casemiro signing so a reasonable offer from the Persian Gulf would likely see to the Brazilian’s departure.
Prediction:
United are in need of a good performance as they look to build some momentum ahead of the FA Cup final with Manchester City. The return of Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez should improve the side at both ends of the pitch but I think a score draw is as good as it will get for the Red Devils.
Prediction: 1-1
Predicted Line-up:
Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Diallo, Hojlund.