Man United vs Newcastle: Marcus Rashford Back in Starting Xi? Predicted Lineup For Red Devils

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Man United vs Newcastle: Manchester United will host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday, December 30, aiming to close 2024 on a positive note amidst a turbulent Premier League season.

Ruben Amorim's side, reeling from a Boxing Day loss to Wolves, must bounce back to avoid sinking deeper into mid-table obscurity. Newcastle, in contrast, are flying high after a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. With four straight wins and an eye on the Champions League spots, Eddie Howe’s men look dangerous.

United are facing a selection crisis, particularly in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended. Injuries to Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof further complicate the new manager’s options.

Amidst Newcastle’s resurgence and United’s struggles, Monday night’s clash promises to test the Red Devils’ resilience and tactics.

Goalkeeper: André Onana

Despite mixed performances since joining Manchester United, André Onana remains the clear choice between the posts. With nine goals conceded in their last three games, the Cameroonian faces a stern test against Newcastle's potent attack. Onana will need to improve his command of the box and passing accuracy to avoid gifting Newcastle opportunities.

Nick Pope's absence for Newcastle will see Martin Dúbravka in goal, adding an intriguing subplot as he faces his former club.

Defence: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez

Ruben Amorim is expected to stick with a three-man defence. Noussair Mazraoui will likely start on the right, providing defensive solidity and attacking support. Harry Maguire could captain the side in Bruno Fernandes’ absence, offering leadership despite his mixed form. Lisandro Martinez’s tenacity makes him indispensable, though Matthijs de Ligt might feature as a substitute after recovering from illness.

Injuries to Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof mean limited options for rotation, placing pressure on the starting defenders to deliver a disciplined performance.

Midfield: Antony, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot

Casemiro is likely to anchor the midfield, providing experience and bite despite his inconsistent displays this season. He could be partnered by youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who has shown flashes of potential and energy in limited opportunities. Diogo Dalot and Antony are expected to operate as wingbacks, tasked with balancing defensive duties and supplying width in attack.

Suspensions to Ugarte and Fernandes leave Amorim with few alternatives, though Christian Eriksen could come off the bench if needed. Antony, despite his struggles, might be preferred for his pace and ability to stretch Newcastle’s defence. This would mark the Brazilian’s first Premier League start for this campaign.

Attack: Amad Diallo, Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho

The front three will likely consist of Amad Diallo, Rasmus Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho. Diallo has been a bright spot under Amorim, consistently being the best player for the Red Devils in the Premier League. Garnacho’s flair and fearlessness make him an asset against Newcastle’s solid backline.

Højlund has struggled for form domestically, with just one league goal to his name, but his work rate and physical presence make him the obvious choice to lead the line. Joshua Zirkzee could feature as a second-half substitute to inject fresh energy.

Meanwhile, exiled forward Marcus Rashford has little to no chance of returning to the pitch for Man United in Monday’s fixture. The forward has failed to make the squad in the last four games, and there is no reason for Ruben Amorim to change his decision before the opening of the January transfer window, where the England international is widely expected to depart Old Trafford.

Man United Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire (c), Martinez; Antony, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Højlund, Garnacho

Unavailable Players

Injured: Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof

Suspended: Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United will need their key players to step up and deliver if they are to overcome Newcastle’s relentless form. A victory here could provide much-needed momentum heading into challenging fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal.