Manchester United are preparing for a crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United, and attention is already turning to what could be Erik ten Hag’s potential starting lineup for the encounter.
With both teams competing for momentum and league position, the fixture promises to be a tactical battle where selection and balance will be key.
United are expected to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that offers defensive stability while allowing creativity in advanced areas. In goal, André Onana is likely to continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. His distribution from the back will be important against a Newcastle side known for pressing high and forcing mistakes.
At the back, Diogo Dalot is tipped to start at right-back, offering energy and attacking support down the flank. In central defence, the partnership of Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez provides a blend of experience, composure, and aggression.
Varane’s leadership and aerial ability will be vital against Newcastle’s physical attackers, while Martínez’s ball-playing quality helps United progress play from deep. On the left, Luke Shaw is expected to return, adding balance and creativity with his overlapping runs and defensive awareness.
In midfield, United may rely on the combination of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.
Casemiro brings control, physicality, and defensive intelligence, acting as a shield in front of the back four. Alongside him, Mainoo’s calmness on the ball and ability to carry possession forward could be key in breaking Newcastle’s midfield press.
This pairing aims to give United both security and fluidity in the center of the pitch.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in his preferred central attacking midfield role.
As captain, Bruno will be responsible for dictating tempo, creating chances, and leading the press. On the wings, Antony is likely to start on the right, offering directness and defensive work rate, while Marcus Rashford is expected to feature on the left, where his pace and goal threat remain one of United’s biggest attacking weapons.
Leading the line, Rasmus Højlund is set to spearhead the attack. The young striker’s movement, strength, and work rate could be crucial in stretching Newcastle’s defence and creating space for the attacking midfielders to exploit. His presence also gives United a focal point in the final third, something they have often lacked in recent seasons.
This potential lineup reflects United’s aim to balance solidity with attacking intent.
Newcastle are known for their intensity and physical approach, particularly at home, and United will need to be disciplined while taking their chances when they arise. While this remains a predicted XI and not official confirmation, fans will be eager to see if this setup can deliver a strong performance and a positive result in what promises to be a highly competitive Premier League showdown.
