4-2-3-1: United will devour Newcastle thanks to this brilliant line-up triple change from Carrick

Manchester United head to St James’ Park on Wednesday to face an unpredictable Newcastle United side as Michael Carrick aims to extend his unbeaten run in interim charge of the club. Carrick will be sweating on the fitness of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, who were both substituted due to feeling ill against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Lisandro Martinez is another defender who may or may not make the trip up north, with Carrick saying last Friday that they will assess him over the next few days.

Defence

Senne Lammens will be in goal and Diogo Dalot at right-back.

Fitness will dictate the back four, but if everyone is available, it seems more likely that Carrick will revert to a Maguire–Martinez centre-back pairing. Leny Yoro has been deputising for the Argentinian and was a little shaky against the Eagles.

Noussair Mazraoui came on for Shaw in that game and performed very well, so there is less urgency to rush the England man back. Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are still injured.

Midfield and Attack

Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are the nailed-on starters in central midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of them in the hole.

Manuel Ugarte is another option, but he is very unlikely to be selected unless there is a fitness problem with one of the other two.

Ben Sesko got a start on Sunday and rewarded the manager’s faith in him with a goal. However, we are tipping him to return to the bench against the Magpies for tactical reasons. The greater mobility, defensive capability and speed of Amad should see him return. Bryan Mbeumo, another Duracell bunny, will provide a better press up top and Matheus Cunha’s energy should see him keep his place on the left.

Joshua Zirkzee is another forward option, but he has not seen much football under Carrick. Mason Mount could be back in contention but he, too, is unlikely to start.

Final thoughts

• Martinez to replace Yoro
• Mazraoui to continue at left-back
• Amad to return at Sesko’s expense

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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