Manchester United mark their return to action following a devastating coronavirus outbreak on Monday with a trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
While the Red Devils have been dealing with a raft of COVID-19 cases, Eddie Howe’s hosts are seeking to avoid a fourth straight defeat.
Manchester United have won their last four Premier League games against Newcastle, their longest such run against them since a run of five between 2004 and 2006.
Newcastle have won two of their last four Premier League home games against Manchester United (L2), more than they had in their previous 13 against the Red Devils at St James’ Park (W1 D3 L9). They did lose this exact fixture 4-1 last season, however.
Manchester United have scored 112 Premier League goals against Newcastle – no side has scored more against a single opponent in the competition’s history (Arsenal also 112 vs Everton).
Newcastle have conceded 79 Premier League goals in 2021, the joint-most in a single calendar year in the competition (also Ipswich Town in 1994). The last top-flight team to concede more over the course of a year were West Bromwich Albion in 1985 (87).
Manchester United Team News:
Rangnick has hinted that he will have a fully-fit squad to pick from this weekend, barring the recovering Paul Pogba.
Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial could therefore all come into contention for the trip to St James’ Park, and the same can be said for Victor Lindelof despite his scare with breathing difficulties against Norwich.
Varane could slot straight back in for Harry Maguire if he is deemed fit enough, but Diogo Dalot will have no intention of dropping out for Wan-Bissaka just yet.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes; Ronaldo, Rashford
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