Manchester United predicted XI as Erik ten Hag takes risk vs Newport (FA Cup)

Erik ten Hag is expected to take a risk as his Manchester United squad travel to face Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.

Last time out in the competition, Erik ten Hag‘s men defeated Wigan Athletic 2-0 to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup during their opening fixture of 2024.

Manchester United have since only played one other time, in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, with the side not featuring since due to the FA’s winter break.

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Against Newport, Ten Hag confirmed on Friday afternoon that Altay Bayındır will make his debut for the club as André Onana, who started against Wigan, is unavailable due to AFCON commitments.

In front of him will likely see a return to the XI for Luke Shaw, who has missed the last few games due to injury. In central defence, Lisandro Martínez may be back in the mix in order to regain match fitness. With Evans a doubt and Maguire and Lindelöf both only just returning to training, the chances are that Raphaël Varane will pair the World Cup winner.

At right-back, Diogo Dalot is expected to continue his string of starts.

In midfield is where Ten Hag may take a big risk. Casemiro has been away from the squad since 1 November with a hamstring problem, and the team have suffered due to the lack of his presence in midfield.

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With United in need of consistent form, Casemiro may be thrown straight back into the team from the start in order to regain his match fitness, and will likely be alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

At striker, due to an injury to Anthony Martial, Rasmus Højlund is now the only recognised striker in the squad and will start against Newport, barring injury.

On the wings, as Rashford is unavailable due to illness, Alejandro Garnacho will probably line up on the left, while Antony is set to be handed a chance on the right wing, although there is also the possibility that Amad will start.

Full predicted XI

Bayındır, Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Antony, Højlund, Garnacho.