Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. The Red Devils suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to bottom side Watford last weekend and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be aiming for a strong response from his players at home, where they have succumbed to just one defeat this season. United are presently seven points adrift of the fourth position and they certainly need to lift their performances against the mid-table teams to keep up in the race for the Champions League spots.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
David de Gea had a forgettable day at Vicarage Road as he was responsible for conceding the opening goal due to his poor handling. The Spaniard is still regarded as the club’s undisputed choice for the shot-stopper’s role in the Premier League and he will be hoping to redeem himself against the Magpies.
In the defence, Solskjaer may not tinker with the combination. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a rare off-day against Watford as he mistimed his sliding challenge which cost a penalty, but it would come as a surprise, if he is dropped. The 22-year-old should make his 17th appearance of the league campaign.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have remained unchanged at the heart of the backline for most of the campaign and they should continue to keep their places. Luke Shaw could have done better to intercept Sarr’s scuffed shot on goal but the left-back still had a good game with more tackles than any United player (6). He should start ahead of both Ashley Young and Brandon Williams.
In the centre of the park, Fred and Scott McTominay have cemented their berths since the last international break and the duo should be paired together once more. In front of them, Paul Pogba could feature in an advanced midfield role after his lively cameo appearance against the Hornets, where he had a couple of shots to test the goalkeeper.
Solskjaer has recently hinted that Pogba could feature from the start against the Magpies and has also talked about the possibility of the Frenchman featuring in an attacking position, similar to that at Vicarage Road. In this case, he should definitely replace Jesse Lingard, who has been poor with his displays in recent games.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford is pretty much assured with a starting spot and the England international is expected to take up his preferred left-wing position. On the opposite flank, Daniel James could get a breather, given he has started every league game for the club since the second gameweek.
In his place, club graduate Mason Greenwood may get another opportunity to impress while Anthony Martial should lead the attack. The Frenchman has the chance to return to scoring ways after drawing blank in the past two league games.
How Man United will line up vs Newcastle United
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