Michael Carrick must look to make three changes as his Manchester United squad take on Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
Michael Carrick’s impressive run at Manchester United rolled on Sunday afternoon, as a determined victory over Crystal Palace lifted the Reds up to third in the Premier League table.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško overturned an early setback, sealing an important three points and shifting focus towards Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, at St James’ Park.
United have not tasted victory at the iconic venue since October 2020, when strikes from Harry Maguire, Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka powered them to an emphatic 4-1 win. Wednesday night, however, offers a strong opportunity to put that run to an end.
After slipping to a 3-2 defeat at home to Everton, Newcastle sit 13th in the table and have lost four of their last five league matches; form that suggests they can be beaten. Even so, United can expect a fierce atmosphere and a demanding test under the lights on Tyneside.
Carrick must make two defensive changes
While the tie against Palace resulted in yet another fantastic victory for the Reds, it was not without its flaws, especially in defence. Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro both looked to be having an off-game, although when the former was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui, the Reds looked much better.
Once hailed as “the future” of United by former boss Rúben Amorim, Mazroaui has barely had a look-in under Carrick. But his composure on the ball and ability to play in tight spaces could be key against Newcastle. If Shaw is unfit to start, Mazraoui must play on the left flank.
The Moroccan’s technical prowess could be a game-changer for Carrick against Newcastle, as he’d add experience and resistance to pressure on what will be a hard-fought evening.
Meanwhile, Yoro’s mixed display may warrant a start for Ayden Heaven over the Frenchman. Newcastle will look to make the game as a agressive and anti-football as they can, which can sometimes cause Yoro problems.
Heaven may be better equipped to deal with what will no doubt become an incredibly physical battle at St. James’ Park, particularly if German powerhouse Nick Woltemade starts up front.
Meanwhile, after Harry Maguire was taken off through injury against Crystal Palace, if the English defender is not available for the tie, then Heaven would become the natural choice to play alongside Yoro.
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A change in attack is needed
Šeško’s start against Palace was well deserved, and his winning goal will keep him in the team, although Carrick may look to replace one of his wingers to make sure Amad lines up from the start against Newcastle.
In the first half against Palace, United really missed Amad’s intensity and brilliant ability to hold width on the right-hand side, and this could be crucial in making sure the Reds get off to a fast and strong start on Wednesday evening.
While Matheus Cunha’s ability to roam across the front line has been useful in causing chaos up front, Bryan Mbeumo’s last two games have been below his usual standard, suggesting that a straight swap may be necessary.
If Mazraoui and Heaven start at the back and Amad replaces Mbeumo on the right wing for the tie on Wednesday evening, this would give Carrick maximum technical ability and intensity to counter what will be a fired-up Newcastle side.
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