United’s torrid season is drawing to a close, with our last home game tonight against Newcastle United.
Our recent poor form has seen us drop below the Magpies in the league table. We sit 3 behind both them and Chelsea with a much worse goal difference, so if we want Europa League football next season, we’ll need to win tonight and better both of their results on the final day to sneak into sixth. Defeat tonight would mean ten home defeats in the league for the first time in our history
Of course, we can always guarantee a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup, but that looks even more unlikely given recent performances,
Aside from the Europa League race, there is also an opportunity to build momentum before the huge FA Cup final next weekend. Going into that on the back of two wins would do wonders for our confidence.
This is a match that matters to Reds; Newcastle have won the last three league meetings and there is a long-standing animosity with the geordies that stretches all the way back to the Andy Cole saga and the 95/96 title race. Hopefully the atmosphere will be good in our last home game, after a subdued few weeks.
MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
It’s touch-and-go as to whether Bruno and Marcus Rashford will be available – both are set to return imminently and are due to have late checks before the game.
Defenders WIlly Kambwala and fan-favourite Lisandro Martinez could potentially make the matchday squad, with Licha more likely to feature on the bench after his lengthy lay-off.
It’s as-you-were with the rest of United’s lengthy injury list. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Maguire, Martial, Lindelof and Mason Mount all remain sidelined.
Newcastle team news
The dangerous Alexander Isak will undergo a late assessment after coming off against Brighton due to feeling unwell. Kieran Trippier had a late cameo in that game so should be available.
Callum Wilson remains a doubt but Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron should all be available after recent injury layoffs.
MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTED LINEUP
Onana;
Wan-Bissaka, Kambwala, Evans, Dalot;
Mainoo, Amrabat, Fernandes;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Amad.
FORM GUIDE
Manchester United Premier League form: LLDWDD
Manchester United form all competitions: LLDWWD
Newcastle Premier League form: DWWLWW
PREDICTION
United are on a shocking run of results and will be desperate to turn things around and build momentum before the FA Cup final.
We have some big names returning and we predict (perhaps in hope more than anything) a reaction after recent performances. The Arsenal performance wasn’t actually that bad, so if we can build on that we might be OK.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United
