Manchester United comfortably dispatched Wigan Athletic with a 2-0 win in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, setting up an intriguing tie away to League Two Newport County on Sunday, January 28, 2024. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides as Newport will hope to harness the Rodney Parade crowd to engineer a famous giant-killing. This is our Manchester United predicted lineup.
Manchester United Predicted Line Up vs. Newport County
WATCH: Football Fans Are Being Lied To
How Manchester United Have Lined Up Recently
When the game kicks off – Manchester United will not have played for two whole weeks since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, January 14. André Onana has been a permanent fixture in goal but is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, so experienced Turkish number two Altay Bayindir will get the nod in goal.
The defence has been reasonably settled recently, with a back four of Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka starting the past two fixtures against Tottenham in the League and Wigan in the Cup.
Read More: ‘Agreement Getting Closer’: Man Utd On Verge Of Sealing Transfer For ‘Great’ Winger
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has been an ever-present recently, with Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen rotating next to him in Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 formation. In front of them, a forward four of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund have made the team in the most recent fixtures as the manager has attempted to find consistency in both results and squad composition amid a flurry of injuries.
Manchester United Recent Form And Tactics
To put it mildly, Manchester United have been consistently inconsistent all season. In all competitions, the Red Devils have won twice, drawn once, and lost twice in the past five fixtures.
Tactically, Erik ten Hag has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the season, with the ultimate aim being to play out from the back with a stable defence. However, numerous injuries have severely compromised the ability to build from André Onana, and the team has encountered repeated issues in build-up both in defence and midfield, particularly when Scott McTominay is deployed – in a deeper role.
Read More: Man Utd ‘Alerted’ By Emergence Of ‘Brilliant’ 86-Goal Premier League Forward
Offensively, the team’s best phases of attacking play have come in transition, with the speed of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho always a danger for opponents. Rashford has two goals and two assists in his last four games in all competitions.
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled over the season but is suffering from the lack of service and the difficulties in the build-up behind him. Despite these issues, he has two goals in his past four games, suggesting a growing entente with his team-mates. Expect a strong Manchester United XI as they chase the only remaining silverware available and attempt to avoid a giant-killing upset.
Manchester United Injury And Unavailability Concerns
Erik ten Hag expects Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw to be in contention for this fixture. Harry Maguire has returned to training – but it remains to be seen – whether this fixture will come too soon for him. Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia also remain sidelined. Jonny Evans has been dealing with illness and is a doubt for this fixture.
Casemiro should be back in contention, but Mason Mount is still out.
Up front, Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to illness.
André Onana and Sofyan Amrabat are away on AFCON duty with Cameroon and Morocco, with both teams qualifying for the round of 16.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
GK: Altay Bayindir
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
CB: Raphael Varane
CB: Lisandro Martinez
LB: Diogo Dalot
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
CM: Scott McTominay
RW: Antony
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Alejandro Garnacho
ST: Rasmus Hojlund
