Amorim makes changes for Magpies test

Amorim makes changes for Magpies test

Altay Bayindir makes his Premier League debut and there is a first start in the competition for Harry Amass, as Ruben Amorim makes five changes to his Manchester United team.

The 16:30 BST kick-off at Newcastle United comes sandwiched between the two key Europa League quarter-final ties with Lyon, and the boss has decided to exclude Andre Onana, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund for a tough examination against a Magpies side still on a high after ending their barren run without a trophy, and targeting a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The alterations mean a first opportunity for Bayindir to keep goal in the top flight, ending Onana’s run of never missing a game in the division since arriving at the club in 2023, as Andre is not part of the matchday squad.

The Turkey international’s previous outings have been in the cup competitions.

Youngster Amass is expected to operate as left wing-back, in the absence of Dorgu, with the 18-year-old’s only previous experience of top-flight football coming when he was introduced as a late substitute in the win at Leicester City, prior to the recent international break.

Victor Lindelof replaces Maguire, whose minutes have been managed recently, and is probably going to take up the central slot, with Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined. 

Christian Eriksen gets a run-out in midfield and Joshua Zirkzee, fresh from his brave headed goal in France on Thursday, will be instructed to lead the attack.

There is some good news with Ayden Heaven fit enough to make the bench, after suffering what initially looked a serious injury at Leicester last month.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have named an unchanged starting line-up from their 3-0 win at Leicester on Monday night. 

There is, however, a notable alteration to the Magpies’ substitutions as key winger Anthony Gordon returns from a recent absence to take a place on the home side’s bench, replacing goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.

Substitutes: Dubravka, Krath, Targett, Longstaff, Miley, Gordon, Neave, Osula, Wilson.

United: Bayindir; Mazraoui, Lindelof, Yoro; Dalot, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Zirkzee.

Substitutes: Heaton, Dorgu, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount, Hojlund.

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