'Brave & Special' 18-Year-Old Set to Start: Man Utd vs Newcastle

Manchester United vs Newcastle United Predicted Lineup

Ten Hag Needs Statement Win at St James Park

Erik ten Hag experienced an initial shock as Manchester United surged to a 2-0 lead against Galatasaray within 18 minutes, courtesy of a spectacular strike from Bruno Fernandes and clinical finishing by Alejandro Garnacho. However, the tides quickly turned when Galatasaray’s Hakim Ziyech found the net just 11 minutes later, his shot bouncing by the wall and catching out Andre Onana as he rushed towards his far post.

Although Scott McTominay managed to restore United’s two-goal lead in the 55th minute, the Red Devils struggled to control the game’s pace, opening the door for a Galatasaray comeback. Fernandes, United’s captain and standout player, made an ill-judged challenge on a midfielder moving away from goal. The resulting free-kick saw Ziyech’s cross-shot fumbled by Onana, giving hope to the home side.

In a dramatic turn of events, Muhammed Akturkoglu’s stunning half-volley in the 71st minute secured a crucial point for Galatasaray, completing a shocking comeback against Ten Hag’s side.

Manchester United’s Fluctuating Form

As a result of the disastrous game management at RAMS Park, the Premier League side are bottom of their group, on four points. Only a win against group leaders Bayern Munich and a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray will send them through to the last-16.

In contrast, United’s league form has improved in recent weeks. They have managed to dispatch lower-ranked sides consistently, with six wins from their last seven games. Last time out, they overcame an intimidating atmosphere at Goodison Park to thrash Everton 3-0. The highlight of that game was a stunning overhead kick by Garnacho.

Their Dutch manager will certainly be hoping for a statement win against the Magpies, who themselves suffered an unfortunate comeback by PSG through a controversial late penalty decision, which has left their hopes for a last-16 tie in serious doubt.

Tactical Direction & Starting Eleven Still Uncertain at Manchester United

Heading into match week 14 of the 2023/24 season, the top sides have established a clear starting eleven and tactical identity. Manchester United, in contrast, grapples with a confused tactical identity, exacerbated by an early-season injury crisis.

Despite Ten Hag’s aim for the team to be the “best transitional side in the world,” their displays have fallen short, with the side repeatedly punished for their lack of control of tempo. This has resulted in a challenging season with poor domestic and European results, though recent successive league wins have kept them in contention for the top four spots.

Uncertainties persist around the starting eleven, with Varane sidelined in favour of Maguire and Lindelof after Martinez’s injury. Concerns have been raised over Casemiro’s form and Dalot’s lacklustre performances open the door for Wan-Bissaka to claim the right-back spot. Similarly, Antony and Rashford’s disappointing form has disrupted their previously untouchable starting positions.

Some reports have suggested that summer loanee signing Sofyan Amrabat could be replaced in January, however, these reports remain unverified and a move would be challenging given the club’s difficult financial fair-play position.

Sky Sports has also claimed that the Reds have made an official enquiry for RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, who impressed last season in his return to the Bundesliga but has since fallen out of favour.

Against Galatasaray, United started Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Amrabat, Garnacho, Antony, Hojlund.

Team News & Injury Reports

Rashford will be available after his European suspension kept him away from the midweek tie in Europe. Mason Mount has returned to training but is not expected to be available for Saturday as he recovers from a calf issue. Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Martinez all remain sidelined. Tyrell Malacia is not expected to return to the squad until early 2024.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle United

Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford; Hojlund

We have tipped youngster Kobbie Mainoo to start away at St James Park. After his impressive debut at Goodison Park, where he had the most touches per minute for his side and calmly linked play between the defence and midfield, he seems likely to have earned another chance.

The collapse against Galatasaray in midweek will likely have given Ten Hag serious concerns about his side’s ability to control the flow of play, and the 18-year-old has shown an ability to change the tempo of the game when needed.

Pundit Jermaine Jenas has said United are on to “something special” with Mainoo, while Roy Keane praised his courage and said he was “very brave” in his first league start.