Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Manchester United will aim to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James Park on Saturday evening. And Erik ten Hag does not have any injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Jonny Evans (thigh), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Casemiro (thigh), Mason Mount (calf), Christian Eriksen (knee), and Amad Diallo (knee) remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s exile from from first-team picture continues.
But there is some good news, as Marcus Rashford is available after missing the midweek UEFA Champions League fixture against Galatasaray due to his suspension. Meanwhile, ten Hag provided a fitness update on Mount during his pre-match press conference.
He said, “We have many options but we have to manage the load of the players. It is also about freshness as well. Mason Mount is, today, returning on the [training] pitch, but I don’t know how long it will take until he returns [to play]. I can’t say in this moment.”
The Manchester United manager also discussed Malacia’s issue during a conversation with the club media. He said, “There are updates, so Ty Malacia, he had surgery and he will return in quite short notice. I think, from new year on, he can be available. But it’s very good that Luke Shaw made his return in this week. We are happy with that and also the others, they are working very hard to return as soon as possible to the team.”
With Shaw back into the fold, the Englishman will feature as the left-back, joining Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof in the backline. Meanwhile, Andre Onana will retain his spot between the stick despite his howlers against Galatasaray.
As for the midfield unit, Kobbie Mainoo should return to the starting lineup, replacing Sofyan Amrabat. The teenage sensation will accompany Scott McTominay in the double pivot in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, playing behind central striker Rasmus Hojlund. Finally, Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will complete the numbers in the offensive department, with Antony dropping to the bench. Anthony Martial will be another option later in the game.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
