Manchester United v Newcastle United: match preview, team news and injuries
Manchester United will be looking to close the gap on leaders Manchester City with a win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford this Saturday evening.
However, Rafael Benitez‘s side won’t so cheap for the Red Devils having won three of their last five matches – a draw at home to Liverpool and losing 1-0 at home to AFC Bournemouth. The Magpies will also be looking to get back to their winning ways when they take on Man United this evening.
Here is the team I think Jose Mourinho will select for the game at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea will be Mourinho’s first name on the team for this clash so the Spaniard is certain to keep his place between the sticks this weekend.
Defence:
Mourinho fielded a starting lineup comprising of three defenders and four midfielders – 3-4-1-2 – against Chelsea before the international break that resulted in his side losing to the reigning Premier League champions but I think we’ll see the Portuguese boss go back to a flat four against Newcastle at home.
Phil Jones has been ruled out after an annoying thing injury during England’s 0-0 draw with Germany on Friday night so he’ll make way with Chris Smalling keeping his place alongside Ivorian international Eric Bailly.
Antonio Valencia should start ahead of Ashley Young at right-back while Matteo Darmian could be recalled on the left.
Midfield:
There have been reports Paul Pogba could make his long-awaited return to the squad after finally recovering from hamstring injury that’s kept the Frenchman on the sidelines for over two months.
Pogba has been in full training this week but Mourinho may not risk him from the start so he could come in against Magpies from the bench.
Nemanja Matic should anchor the midfield alongside Ander Herrera ahead of Marouane Fellaini – who’s likely to start among the substitutes – while Michael Carrick may not be fit enough to make the squad just yet.
Attack:
Reports have been making rounds that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be back in action this weekend after making a swift recovery from a serious knee ligament injury.
The Mirror claim the Swede legend is pushing to be on the bench on Saturday after he returned to full training so he could be an option in the second half if Mourinho decides to risk him.
Romelu Lukaku will be looking to break his goal-scoring drought as he leads the line up front with Marcus Rashford preferred to Anthony Martial on the wing.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan should once again start in attack while Juan Mata could get a recall after he missed out at Chelsea – although Jesse Lingard is another option for the Portuguese manager.
Here is how we think the two teams will lineup at Old Trafford this evening:
