Michael Carrick could make as many as three changes as Manchester United line up to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
Momentum continues to build under Michael Carrick, with Manchester United securing another important result on Sunday by overcoming Crystal Palace to climb to third in the Premier League.
An early setback failed to derail the hosts, as Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško found the net to complete an impressive comeback. The challenge now shifts to Wednesday’s visit to Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe preparing his side for a clash at St James’ Park.
United’s last triumph at the famous venue came back in October 2020, when goals from Harry Maguire, Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka sealed a commanding 4-1 win. This upcoming fixture presents a strong opportunity to finally improve that recent record.
Newcastle arrive on the back of a 3-2 defeat at home to Everton and have lost four of their previous five league outings, leaving them 13th in the standings. Despite their struggles, United can expect a difficult encounter in what is traditionally one of the division’s most demanding away atmospheres.
Carrick could make three changes vs Newcastle
Carrick has only made two starting XI changes since joining as the club’s head coach: Matheus Cunha replaced Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu in the starting XI due to injury last month, and Benjamin Šeško was installed over Amad amid the former’s fantastic goalscoring form.
Senne Lammens has lost just two games since he made his debut for the club in October, and amid keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle at Old Trafford in December, he’s expected to remain in goal.
Two changes could come in defence. Luke Shaw and Maguire both had to be withdrawn due to illness, and if they are not fully fit to play, could be replaced by Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui.
Even if Maguire is fit, Heaven could still start over Leny Yoro following the latter’s mixed display against Crystal Palace. Diogo Dalot will be at right-back, as he has been since the start of Carrick’s tenure.
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In the middle of the park, both Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are expected to continue their formidable partnership behind club captain and creative genius Bruno Fernandes, with the trio no doubt set for a tough game against Newcastle’s strong and powerful midfield.
Up front is where the other change could come. Šeško will be keeping his spot following his winning goal on Sunday afternoon, but there is debate as to who will start on either flank alongside the striker.
Cunha has performed well on the left of late, which leans toward the Brazilian remaining in the starting team, but given Amad’s brilliance off the bench and well-known work ethic, he may be the better choice for the right-hand side.
This would leave Bryan Mbeumo as an impact substitute off the bench, which may work brilliantly against tired legs in the second half.
United predicted XI vs Newcastle
Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Šeško.
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