Manchester United face Newcastle United in the fourth round at Old Trafford on Wednesday as both sides meet again after locking horns in the finals of the EFL Cup last season.
Erik ten Hag’s team comfortably progressed to the last 16 by defeating Crystal Palace 3-0, while the Magpies ended Manchester City’s hopes of winning four trophies with a memorable one-goal victory.
Since their victory over Eddie Howe’s team at Wembley last season, United’s performance has notably declined, and they were far from impressive in the recent Manchester derby.
Despite a three-game winning streak, their previous victories over Brentford, Copenhagen, and Sheffield United didn’t showcase exceptional performances, although the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the third round was a rare highlight.
The Red Devils have a strong track record in the EFL Cup fourth round, having advanced from their last five matches. They haven’t been eliminated at this stage since a penalty shootout loss to Middlesbrough in 2015.
Several players are sidelined for the club including Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Lisandro Martinez (foot). Jadon Sancho has been excluded from the main group of players for two months.
Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were unavailable for the match against Man City, but they have a chance of recovering in time to face Newcastle. Ten Hag might opt to rotate his underperforming players.
Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, and the now-fit-again Kobbie Mainoo are potential options, but it seems likely that Andre Onana will retain his place in the team over Altay Bayindir, as he was chosen for the match against Palace.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI against Newcastle United:
Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon, Amrabat, Eriksen, Antony, Mount, Garnacho, Hojlund.
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