Rúben Amorim’s decision surrounding Chido Obi has been revealed as Manchester United prepare to face Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United return to Premier League duty on Sunday afternoon with a trip to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
The Reds, who are currently 13th in the table, have drawn blanks in their last two league outings but did manage to score twice in a 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Rúben Amorim’s men had been gaining momentum before the March international break, but that progress has been disrupted by a defeat to Nottingham Forest and back-to-back draws with Manchester City and Lyon.
They now face a Newcastle side pushing hard for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Eddie Howe’s team sit 5th in the league and will be looking to strengthen their position with a strong result at home.
Amorim’s Obi selection decision vs Newcastle
Despite United scoring twice against Lyon, many have come away from the fixture lambasting the side’s inability to score, while 17-year-old striker Chido Obi has continued to notch for the club’s U18 and U21 Academy teams.
Obi was not included in the side’s trip to Lyon as he is not registered to play in the Europa League, but he is available for selection on Sunday afternoon.
With the teenager not involved with the U21s against Reading on Friday evening, Amorim is expected to select Obi on the bench against Newcastle on Sunday.
With Harry Amass also missing the Reading fixture following his first-team involvement on the bench against Lyon, he may be included as a backup defensive option after making his first-team debut against Leicester City last month.
Aside from the Academy players, Amorim confirmed on Thursday evening that he does not expect any currently injured players to return to his squad, meaning Matthijs de Ligt will miss out on the trip to the North East.
However, reports from Friday afternoon have detailed that Amorim is considering making a number of changes to his starting XI when United line up against Newcastle. André Onana has been left out of the squad against Newcastle, meaning Altay Bayındır will start, and Tom Heaton is likely to feature on the bench.
United predicted squad vs Newcastle
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass, Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount.
Forwards: Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Chido Obi.
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