Man Utd predicted line-up vs. Newcastle United: three changes made as £72m star returns amid injury crisis

Manchester United will look to bounce back from their disappointing midweek draw against Galatasaray when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Saturday evening – and will also be hoping to take revenge for the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the same opponents in the EFL Cup a month ago.

If Erik ten Hag is to engineer a sixth league win in seven games, he will also have to do so without the services of no fewer than eight first-team players, as United continue to battle with a lengthy injury list, although at least they can take some comfort from knowing that the visitors have an even longer queue outside the physiotherapy suite than they do.

And while Galatasaray coming from behind to claim a point in the Champions League will have been an immensely frustrating result, the playing squad did at least return unscathed from the trip to Istanbul, so there are no fresh injury concerns.

We’ve brought together all the latest team news and injury updates below, and also ventured a predicted line-up for what could be a crucial clash in the race for the top four.

Goalkeeper & Defence

André Onana had a difficult night in Turkey which put his performances since signing in the summer under the microscope – but some superb recent displays, including a fabulous performance in the 3-0 win over Everton last weekend, should see the Cameroon international keep his place for the foreseeable future.

United’s defensive injury crisis has receded somewhat with the return of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but they will still be without the services of Jonny Evans, who has a muscular injury, and long-term absentees Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Lisandro Martínez (foot). The Argentine defender is expected to return around the middle of January, while no timeline has been set for Malacia’s re-integration with the first-team squad.

Midfield

United have two doubts in midfield, neither of whom seem likely to play as it stands – Christian Eriksen missed the games against Everton and Galatsaray with a knee injury and is not expected back for at least another week, while Mason Mount, who also missed both games this past week, has a calf problem and is not expected to be ready to start against Newcastle.

Holding midfielder Casemiro is another important player who won’t feature for a while, with his hamstring injury expected to keep him out of action until January, while Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho are no closer to resolving their ongoing spat, meaning the England international will not be involved this weekend. Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, is one yellow card away from a suspension.

Forwards

Rasmus Højlund, who missed the match against Everton with a knock sustained during the international break, came through nearly an hour of football without apparent issue on Wednesday and should be fine to play his part against Newcastle, although Anthony Martial’s fine performance against Everton might mean the young Dane has competition for his starting spot.

Marcus Rashford is also available again having been suspended for the midweek Champions League match, while Alejandro Garnacho can expect to keep his place on the left flank after scoring two goals in two games, including that astonishing overhead kick at Goodison Park.

Full predicted line-up vs. Newcastle

Onana; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelöf, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Højlund, Rashford.