Manchester United team news vs Newcastle: The side will be aiming for their fourth consecutive league victory tonight.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a brilliant start as the interim manager at Old Trafford. The side cruised to victory in all the three games under his charge, and has already scored over 29% of their total league goals in 270 minutes.
Solskjaer’s debut game saw United scoring five goals past Cardiff, which was the first time when Manchester United scored as many goals since Sir Alex’s farewell game in 2013.
Manchester United will return to the Premier League later tonight as they take on Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park.
The Norwegian manager interacted with media ahead of the game, and gave an update on the squad.
Manchester United team news vs Newcastle:
Manchester United have had a few injury issues after the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. While Lukaku remained absent on compassionate leave, Martial and Sanchez were unavailable with injuries.
Even when Anthony Martial and Lukaku returned to the side against Bournemouth, with the latter scoring in a 4-1 win, Alexis Sanchez remained unavailable as he worked on his return to full fitness.
Solskjaer has now confirmed that Alexis will be involved against Newcastle United.
Someone will have to drop out of the squad for Sanchez, with Solskjaer confident Rashford will be fit. Solskjaer says he has makeshift cover at centre-back #mufc
https://t.co/O5HHe9tu7B— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 1, 2019
‘Well placed sources at Old Trafford have claimed they have not seen Sanchez this buoyant since the week he joined United. He looks like a man with a point to prove since his return from Chile where he was recuperating.’ #MUFC https://t.co/sFhCiUw9ci
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 1, 2019
“Alexis is champing at the bit and wanted to be involved against Bournemouth, but it was too early for him,” Solskjaer said.
“He will be involved at Newcastle, though, and he is looking forward to it. He has had some great training sessions over the last few days and scored quite a few nice goals, so that is encouraging,” said the manager.
Solskjaer stated that Manchester United have only two first-choice centre-backs available, as Chris Smalling remains out of contention.
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Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof will line-up for the side, with Matteo Darmian as a back-up in central defence.
“Of course we’ve got Darmian, he can play as a centre-back,” Solskjaer said.
“Rojo, no. I don’t think he’ll make it. It’ll be probably Darmian as the backup centre-back,” said the manager when asked about the possibility of Argentinian defender’s return.
Manchester United squad vs Newcastle:
De Gea, Romero, Young, Dalot, Darmian, Jones, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Mata, Sanchez, Martial, Rashford, Lukaku
{M.E.N} #MUFC pic.twitter.com/wSv2VLmbDx— Ammad United 🤘😈 (@Ammadutd) January 1, 2019
Ole: “Marcus Rashford has been different class since I came. His work rate is unbelievable. He chases, closes down, runs in behind and his skill for Paul’s goal! It was great. He’s got all the chances in the world and the potential to be a top, top striker.” pic.twitter.com/29FRZTo4LK
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) December 31, 2018
According to Manchester Evening News, Marcus Rashford remains available for contention after he was substituted with a knock against Bournemouth last week.
