3-4-2-1: This completely overhauled United XI will shock Newcastle, huge chance for youngsters

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has a threadbare squad at his disposal for tonight’s Premier League clash with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have been joined on the treatment table by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, while Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo are all competing in the Africa Cup of Nations. The only good news is that Casemiro returns after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating five yellow cards. Defence Despite the dearth of available defenders, we have a hunch that Leny Yoro could still be dropped. The young Frenchman has been struggling for form of late, and a video even surfaced recently of Amorim lashing out in frustration at his on-pitch decisions. If he is indeed rested, the question is who will replace him. Lisandro Martinez is yet to start a game on his lengthy comeback from injury, but he is a left-footer who would be playing on the right. A back line of Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw would be all left-footers and also lacking in height for set pieces. Tyler Fredricson is another option, but it is a big step up for him. In Amad and Mazraoui’s absence, the wing-backs pick themselves, with Diogo Dalot expected to play on the right and Patrick Dorgu on the left. Midfield and Attack The midfield also probably picks itself, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte the last men standing. Jack Fletcher gave a decent account of himself on his debut against Aston Villa on Sunday, but Amorim is more likely to start with the more senior options. Up front, Mason Mount, Ben Sesko and Matheus Cunha are expected to play again. Amorim has been managing Mount’s workload, though, so there is a chance Josh Zirkzee will get a start – but he is not a natural wide player, so that would look imbalanced. Shea Lacey also looked lively in his own Villa debut, so he is another option. Final Thoughts In a sense, with all the absences, the pressure is off Amorim and United today, as little is expected of them, especially without Fernandes. Expect: Casemiro to play ahead of Ugarte and to be the main midfield playmaker. Dalot, in particular, to play a slightly more conservative role than usual to protect the defence. More minutes for academy stars, especially from the bench. With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for tonight’s 8pm kick-off: Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.