As Manchester United prepare to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park this afternoon, it could be argued that the trip to Tyneside is merely an unwanted obstacle for Ruben Amorim’s side, with all eyes on next week’s Europa League tie with Lyon.
The Red Devils certainly won’t throw in the towel on the domestic front, yet left residing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, there truly is little to play for in the top-flight – other than pride, of course.
That scenario should ensure that the Portuguese coach is ready to ring the changes for today’s encounter, albeit with there an argument to be made that alterations need to be made regardless.
Indeed, the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler has already reported that Andre Onana could be dropped following his midweek blunders, while Rasmus Hojlund could be in the firing line after another limp outing which saw him register just 11 touches on Thursday night.
Alongside the goal-shy Dane, Alejandro Garnacho is another perhaps in need of a rest as his woes continued in front of goal away in Lyon, with the 20-year-old arguably outclassed by young Rayan Cherki for the hosts.
As such, it might be time for Amorim to trial a fresh new attacking lineup, considering the return of a number of high-profile talents.
Man Utd team news for Newcastle
As Amorim revealed in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the 40-year-old should have a similar squad available to the one that made the trip to France earlier this week, with squad depth gradually beginning to improve in the Old Trafford ranks.
Indeed, that latest outing saw Kobbie Mainoo finally make his return to action off the bench, with compatriot Mason Mount also stepping up his return to fitness after now featuring as a substitute in each of United’s last three games in all competitions.
Elsewhere, fellow England star, Luke Shaw, has also been back in contention of late, albeit with the versatile defender still waiting to make his first appearance since early December. A first start, meanwhile, could be on the cards for the first time since February 2024.
Chido Obi could also be in the mix again, with the teenage striker ineligible to feature in Europe, albeit with Toby Collyer and Mathijjs de Ligt likely to be absent once again, having joined the likes of Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven and Jonny Evans on the treatment table.
Thankfully, however, there does not appear to be any fresh injury blows, with Lisandro Martinez – who is likely to be out for much of 2025 after rupturing his ACL – seemingly the only long-term absentee at the Theatre of Dreams.
Chalkboard
That growing list of options should ensure that Amorim now has the chance to shuffle his pack against the Magpies, with both Garnacho and Hojlund among those who could make way.
How Man Utd's attack could look against Newcastle
There could be worse ideas than to drop Garnacho and Hojlund back to the bench, thus taking the pair out of the firing line and allowing them the chance to potentially make an impact as a substitute late on.
Minutes played
63′
Touches
11
Shots on target
1
Shots off target
1
Passes completed
2/3
Key passes
2
Ground duels
0/3
Aerial duels
N/A
Possession lost
3x
Fouls
1
As Thursday’s 2-2 draw showcased, the Red Devils do now have the luxury of increased alternatives in the attacking ranks, with the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee on the hour mark proving particularly fruitful.
While the Dutchman may not be the out-and-out striker that United are craving, his late header did showcase his growing impact in a United shirt, having now scored on the road against both Real Sociedad and Lyon.
With Hojlund toiling, Zirkzee may have to lead the line from the off this time around, thus marking a real full circle moment, considering he was jeered off against today’s opponents just a matter of months ago.
The 23-year-old could be joined in the front line by the aforementioned Mount, with the former Chelsea man having looked lively during his late cameo in midweek, emphasising just why Amorim has hailed him as a “proper footballer”.
Mount, 26, has been among the few who the former Sporting CP boss has repeatedly singled out for praise during his brief tenure thus far, although now is the time for the Englishman to walk the walk.
With the £55m man joining Zirkzee in the starting lineup, the final number ten berth could be taken up by the returning Mainoo, with the 19-year-old playing his part in the second goal in France, as it was his brave header which found Bruno Fernandes.
The FA Cup final hero has endured a rocky season due to injury and the failure to nail down his best position in the 3-4-3, although it does appear he could earn a regular role for himself as part of the front three, having scored and assisted in that berth against FCSB back in January.
As Amorim has stated, the Red Devils “need to be careful” with the teenager amid his injury woes, although it would be a waste not to utilise a player of his talents, with the United boss stating that Mainoo is “really good near the opponent’s box”.
With Fernandes potentially replacing Manuel Ugarte by dropping into a deep-lying berth, the opening is there for the academy graduate to take his chance as one of the two number tens.
There could be a lack of pace if Amorim does opt to deploy Mainoo alongside Mount and Zirkzee, although that £375k-per-week trio could make up an exciting, new-look forward line at St James’ Park.
64 touches, 93% passes: Man Utd's 8/10 star is now as important as Bruno
Manchester United could only secure a 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League last night.
ByEthan LambApr 11, 2025
