Subs: Bayindir, Martinez, Rashford, Hojlund, Eriksen, Antony, Kambwala, Forson, Collyer.
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Newcastle: Dubravka, Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Subs: Dummett, Schar, Joelinton, Ritchie, Barnes, Pope, Almiron, White, Alex Murphy.
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Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside)
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What a funny predicament. Neither Manchester United (8th) nor Newcastle (6th) can reach the top four. Both would, one suspects, quite like to be in the Europa League (in which they need to finish 5th or 6th) – with the shiny prizes of European silverware and Champions League qualification for next season’s victors – but a spot in the Conference League (7th) is probably too much of a hassle. There’s not much grandeur in Europe’s third-tier competition, even for the two Uniteds, and there’s a good chance that a superfluous European campaign could (further?!) derail next season’s Premier League campaign. Newcastle will guarantee European football of some sort with a win tonight. Should Manchester United fail to win, they are almost certainly out of contention for any European qualification.
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But as Spurs learned last night, rather than try to manoeuvre around the many permutations that may or may not be in your hands, the best move is simply to try and win all of your games, see what happens and live with the hand you are dealt.
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Erik ten Hag is walking a very fine line indeed, and needs all the good PR he can get. A win for the Reds tonight would certainly help.
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So, there isn’t much on the line tonight, apart from European qualification and potentially someone’s job, but I’m pleased you are here regardless.
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Kick-off: 7pm BST.
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important events
4 minutes: Newcastle won the toss and Manchester United changed ends, meaning the home side would kick towards the Stretford end in the first half. That’s going to irritate a lot of people on the ground.
2 minutes: Isak had an early chance when Hall crossed, but it was too high for the Swede and he darted into the six-yard box completely unopposed. A tense start for the home team.
Beep beep! Starting at Old Trafford.
We should let you know that Ten Hag has received a warm welcome. Before kickoff, I heard voices from the home fans as I made my way from the tunnel to the dugout. And when he sat down, lots of handshakes with the fans behind him.
“There is a banner that is particularly offensive. Has the message displayed at Old Trafford been amended to read: “No arrogance, just 8th place”? ” asks Richard Hirst.
“Why on earth aren’t you playing Kambwala?” Email Tim Stappard. “Bonkers”.
Seems odd, especially against this fast-paced offense. And it’s not like Johnny Evans is a jet heel.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaks:
There are two big games. We’re going to have to do very well today. [European qualification] It’s close, but it’s very far away.
Trippier creates goals and attacks. His technical ability is at the highest level. He hasn’t had much training, but he’s in good shape to play.
I’m glad it’s not due Downpour is expected to continue in Manchester tonight, with light rain possible as kick-off approaches. Classic.
meanwhile …
this is a fascinating story, and it’s been a while. Good to see someone put their head above the parapet, well done Wolves. VAR is a complete mess and fundamentally takes the fun out of football. This is a game, and having fun is more important than being forensically accurate.
You also need to flag That’s not the only Premier League game tonight. Chelsea head to Brighton in seventh place and in great form (aside from Arsenal’s result). Kick-off is 7:45pm BST. We will inform you of the latest information on the south coast.
Someone else is lurking on the sidelines. Nick Pope from Newcastle. This will be his third game on the bench since returning from a long-term injury. The goalkeeper made his return tonight after sustaining a freak shoulder injury in the 1-0 win against Manchester United on December 2nd. He is undoubtedly Newcastle’s number one.
Whatever the injury situation,, It’s a sad situation for United fans to have Casemiro and Evans at centre-back. Ten Hag have spent over £400m since joining, costing the team £1.2bn…
Interesting comment from Ten Hag. It is not clear who will lead Manchester United’s line tonight, but Bruno Fernandes will likely be used as the false nine. Recall that the Portuguese lost to Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
Marcus Rashford has not played since the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on April 21st and will be on the bench tonight. Lisandro Martínez is also a substitute, but the Argentine has played just one game since February 4. He was a big miss and was one of the reasons Casemiro teamed up with Evans at center back again tonight. I have to say I was surprised to see the Brazilian back there after the disastrous defeat against Arsenal. Isaac, Gordon, and Murphy will lick their lips.
Erik ten Hag says:
As you can see, in the last game the academy players were sitting on the bench. We have players right now who can come out and make a difference. They want to fight for this club.
About rest in Hojland
We want to keep him fresh. It’s a long season for young players. We have Brighton and we have a cup final.
Who will play up front in his place?
As you can see.everything is possible [he says coyly with a smile]
Casemiro will start at center back.
He had some good matches but also had some failures.Obviously in the last game [against Arsenal] There were bad moments. We know he can do the job, so he has to do the job.
Dear team!
Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Evans, Dalot, Mainu, Amrabat, Diallo, McTominay, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes.
sub: Bindir, Martinez, Rashford, Hoylund, Eriksen, Anthony, Kambwala, Forson, Collier.
Newcastle: Dubravka, Trippier, Kraft, Byrne, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Isaac, Gordon.
sub: Dummett, Shah, Joelinton, Ritchie, Barnes, Pope, Almiron, White, Alex Murphy.
Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside)
preamble
What an interesting predicament. Neither Manchester United (8th) nor Newcastle (6th) will be able to reach the top four. According to one suspect, both would want to play in the Europa League (which requires a 5th or 6th place finish) – European silverware and Champions League berth for next season’s winner. However, having a spot in the conference league (7th place) is probably too much of a hassle. There’s not much grandeur in Europe’s third tier competition, even with United’s two teams, and there’s a good chance that an unnecessary European campaign will derail next season’s Premier League campaign (even more?!) be. Newcastle will guarantee some form of European football if they win tonight. If Manchester United fail to win, they will almost certainly be out of the race for European qualification.
But as the Spurs learned last night, instead of trying to work around the many permutations that may or may not be in your hands, your best bet is to simply try to win every game and see what happens. Look and handle is to live with your own hands.
Erik ten Hag is walking a very fine line and needs all the good PR he can get. A win for the Reds tonight will definitely help.
So, there’s not much planned for tonight apart from the European qualification and the possibility of someone’s job, but I’m glad you’re here nonetheless.
kick off: 7pm BST.
