Man Utd team news: Expected XI vs Newcastle with Ralf Rangnick to make three changes

Ralf Rangnick previews Newcastle United clash

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Manchester United go up against Newcastle on Monday night looking for a third straight Premier League win under Ralf Rangnick. The German could make three changes with all of the squad, Paul Pogba aside, now fully fit. So Express Sport will now take a look at how they should line up for the contest at St James’ Park.

Goalkeeper: De Gea

There’s just no reason to demote David De Gea at present.

This was always going to be a big year for the 31-year-old, who had lost his place in the team to Dean Henderson towards the tail end of last season.

Yet De Gea has been back to his best so far, with the Spain international successfully cutting out the errors in his game.

Now, the No 1 jersey is his to lose.

Henderson will likely be on the bench against Newcastle, despite talk of a move away from Old Trafford rumbling on.

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Defence: Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw

United are set to welcome back Raphael Varane, who hasn’t featured for the club since the 2-2 draw with Atalanta at the start of November.

For Rangnick, having the former Real Madrid star at his disposal will certainly be positive news.

Varane is likely to partner Harry Maguire at the back, meaning Victor Lindelof may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Diogo Dalot should start at right-back having dislodged Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the team.

But it’s feasible Luke Shaw will get a first start under Rangnick as he looks to show his new manager just what he’s capable of.

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Midfield: Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Sancho

This area of United’s team should stay the same from their 1-0 win over Norwich earlier this month.

Fred and Scott McTominay provide energy and tenacity in the middle of the park. With Newcastle fighting to beat the drop, those traits will be needed.

Then, playing further ahead, United should play Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho together.

Fernandes has struggled to adjust to his new position under Rangnick so far but, as one of the club’s shining lights of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, has the talent to turn things around.

Likewise Sancho, who continues to blow hot and cold following his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Forwards: Ronaldo, Cavani

United have only played Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani once together from the start this season.

Yet they impressed on that occasion, with both players netting in a 3-0 victory over Tottenham.

With Cavani now fully fit, it’s feasible the veteran will get the nod over Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

On his day, the Uruguay international is still one of the best centre-forwards in the whole of world football.

And it’s hard to see Ronaldo being on the bench, especially given how the veteran has scored 13 goals across all competitions so far.

Rangnick speaks out

Speaking before United’s match with Newcastle, Rangnick admitted he faced a few ‘difficult decisions’.

“Well as far as I could see in training today, they are all in good shape,” he said of his squad.

“They did their homework, they all have their schedules to train at home and they stuck to that schedule and programme.

“From what I saw, I can say most of them, if not all of them, might be available.

“And of course I would have to take some difficult decisions as to who will be in the squad, who will be in the starting XI.”

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