Manchester United have started their regime under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brilliantly as they have scored 12 goals in the last three games conceding just three. Next, they travel to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United as their first assignment of 2019. Given the polar opposite form that both teams have shown off late, the Magpies would do well to come out with something from this game.
United look energised, but one has to say that they have faced opponents who were expected to be beaten. Solskjaer real litmus test could come against Tottenham Hotspur after the Newcastle game. However, another three points against the Magpies would bring them that much closer to the top four spots.
Team News
United are facing a major crisis at the back as Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo are set to miss out. Eric Bailly’s red card against Bournemouth in the last game didn’t help either, and he is going to be suspended for this game.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Newcastle United
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
David De Gea is a no-brainer to start in goal for the Red Devils. Phil Jones should come in place of the suspended Bailly to fill in the centre back role. The English defender has been far too inconsistent, and the new manager would hope for a good performance from him. Victor Lindelof has won back some fans after his recent displays, and the Sweden international is going to partner Jones in the heart of the defence.
Luke Shaw is expected to start in the usual left back role. The experienced Ashley Young should start as a right back once again.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera’s job would be to keep things moving in midfield and also provide a shield to the back four when required. Paul Pogba has been the talk of the town in the last few days and he has managed to turn the corner under the new manager. He was again at his influential best as he scored two and assisted one goal against the Cherries. Newcastle United will have a big task of keeping the resurgent Frenchman quiet.
Anthony Martial is likely to start from the left though Alexis Sanchez is also in the reckoning to start in this game. However, we are going in with the Martial on the left flank. Jesse Lingard is expected to keep his place on the right.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku could be given a start ahead of Marcus Rashford in this tie as the Belgian can provide more of a physical strength up front.
