TheSportsRush brings Manchester United’s expected lineup vs Newcastle United, as Jose Mourinho aims at returning to winning ways.
Jose Mourinho’s side has a dark ominous cloud looming, as the side was booed of the pitch after a heavily underwhelming display against Valencia in the Champions League. They haven’t won at home since opening day, and another winless game would see them go five matches without a win only for the second time since 1999. United are 10th in the Premier League and face a struggling Newcastle side, who are still seeking their first win of the season. Let’s see how Mourinho’s side lines up in this must-win fixture.
DEFENCE:
Ashley Young and Marcus Rojo were out for the midweek clash against Valencia, and would most probably not be available for the visit of the Magpies either. Chris Smalling and Lindelof would start as the first choice centre back pairings, as Bailly sits out.
Jose Mourinho says there are “many different reasons” why Manchester United are struggling this season and admits it would be unacceptable to go five matches without a win.
More here: https://t.co/xVlgs3hEY6 pic.twitter.com/N3q46CYNsA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 5, 2018
With Young only just recovered, Shaw starts as the left back while Valencia takes up the right full back position.
MIDFIELD:
Pogba, despite his ongoing feud with Mourinho, has started every single Premier League game this season, and is expected to hold his place in the midfield.
I asked Jose Mourinho if he accepted (potentially) five without a win was not good enough to @ManUtd: “I accept.” Asked him if he could assure fans he was doing everything possible to turn situation around. Didn’t answer.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 5, 2018
Matic can also be expected to take up the holding midfielder role, while the other slot in midfield has two contenders – Fellaini and Fred, with the former probably edging owing to his displays in United’s last two fixtures.
ATTACK:
Alexis Sanchez is reportedly furious with Mourinho’s decisions lately, having missed the previous Premier League fixture against the Hammers, and also being taken off at the hour mark against Valencia, a feud which could probably lead to him being benched again against the Magpies.
“We expect a difficult match [against Newcastle],” says the boss. “They are a team that is always very organised and their manager is always very well organised on his analysis of his opponents.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 5, 2018
Rashford, United’s brightest spark in recent games, can be expected to start. Lingard is out, carrying a groin injury, giving Martial a chance to rebuild some form. Lukaku is expected to lead the attack, looking to find his goal-scoring mojo back.
Manchester United’s expected lineup vs Newcastle United:
Mourinho still refusing to acknowledge United were beaten on penalties by Derby. Again referred to that result as a draw and referenced how #mufc have only had one defeat at OT this season. There was a time when Jose would have ridiculed other managers for thinking in such terms
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) October 5, 2018
