Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are both suspended for Manchester United’s last match of 2024 against Newcastle United tomorrow.
They join the injured Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount on the list of absentees.
Marcus Rashford has been left out of the last four squads amidst rumours that he may leave the club in the January window, so he, too could be unavailable.
With the heavy fixture schedule, head coach Ruben Amorim would probably have liked to rotate his squad but he is left with few options this time around.
Andre Onana will be in goal and will be hoping to return to his excellent early season form after a couple of error-strewn weeks.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to return in defence. He will probably be accompanied by Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, with Leny Yoro dropping back to the bench. Jonny Evans is another option.
The options for the holding midfield positions are Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer. The latter is probably not match-fit enough to start the game and Mainoo could be rested, so we predict the familiar and experienced Brazil-Denmark pivot will be selected.
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot will probably continue in the wing back roles. Tyrell Malacia is another option but Amorim’s attempts to get him up to speed after a long layoff have so far proven unsuccessful and we think it unlikely he will be risked again.
Amorim has been very sparing in his use of Alejandro Garnacho of late but will all the other absentees, it surely must be time for him to be recalled. He would come in at left inside forward, with Amad on the right.
Antony is another option, especially if the boss thinks Amad needs a break. He did look a little jaded against Wolves on Boxing Day.
Up top, it’s back to the straight choice between Rasmus Hojlund and Josh Zirkzee. Both are struggling to impress, but we think just based on rotation, it will be the Dutchman that gets the nod tomorrow.
There could be a place up for grabs on the bench for a youngster, with places for Altay Bayindir, Yoro, Malacia, Evans, Mainoo, Collyer, Antony and Hojlund leaving one more spot to be filled.
Here, then, is our predicted line-up for tomorrow’s 8pm GMT kick-off:
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
