Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will miss the game between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday.
Manchester United will be desperate to return to winning ways and end a dreadful 2024 on a high when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Monday night. And Ruben Amorim has new roster issues that are hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are the latest absentees, with the duo serving a one-match suspension against Newcastle United on Monday. While Fernandes picked up his sanction after seeing red against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ugarte has a ban due to his fifth booking of the 2024/25 Premier League season in the same game.
The suspended duo has joined Victor Lindelof (knock), Luke Shaw (calf), and Mason Mount (hamstring) on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Amorim responded to questions about his captaincy choice for the game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The Manchester United manager said, “You will have to wait until the game and see the captain. What do I think of Harry? He works really well – he is focused on the job and not what people say. He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments. I think in that department he is an example. He is there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.”
Harry Maguire might be one of the options to don the armband, considering his history as the club captain. The experienced English centre-back will retain his place in the central defensive unit, lining up alongside Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez at the back. Andre Onana will take his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro will replace the suspended Ugarte as Kobbie Mainoo’s partner in the middle of the park. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui should continue as the two wing-backs for Manchester United against Newcastle United.
Finally, Alejandro Garnacho will replace Bruno Fernandes, joining Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund in the offensive trifecta. So, Marcus Rashford will miss out again, while Joshua Zirkzee and Antony will be the backup attacking options on the bench for the home side.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dalot; Amad, Garnacho; Hojlund
