Manchester United’s suggested XI to play Newcastle
Manchester United suffered another disappointing away defeat but a home fixture presents them with a good chance to pick up three points, even though opponents Newcastle have only lost one of their last five games.
Tha Magpies are a very inconsistent side, much like United, though their back five will likely defend deep and make things difficult for the pacy front-three, which operates best on the break, as the Man City game highlighted.
There is one key change Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can make to circumvent that, however.
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Aside from that, even if the Norwegian wants to make changes to his side after an unacceptable showing, there are few options he can bring in to change things.
One player who is chomping at the bit to play more often is Mason Greenwood. The striker is only 18-years-old but has contributed valuable goals this campaign, including the Red Devils’ equaliser in their last match at Old Trafford – against Everton.
However, it would be too bold a call to drop Anthony Martial as although he blows hot and cold, he is more likely than the youngster to produce a bit of quality that breaks through the Magpies’ backline.
The big change, of course, is the inclusion from the start of Paul Pogba, who hasn’t started a game for the club since the end of September, and his return should be a big boost.
It not only increases United’s quality in midfield and how they use the ball, but his figure on the pitch should lift the players, particularly mentally.
He will also be the go-to option for teammates to try and make something happen, and with the front-three, each possessing electrifying pace his through balls could be a great method to break through the opposition’s defence.
Operating in attacking midfield would give him the license to attempt such passes, too, and the freedom to support his attacking players with less responsibility to defend, which is the role of Fred and Scott McTominay.
Jesse Lingard, however, has contributed little other than his goal against Astana a few weeks ago, and with fans growing increasingly impatient with him it may be time for Solskjaer to drop him from the starting line-up.
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