Manchester United will be targeting their first victory since the March international break when they travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United this afternoon.
United were seconds away from recording an impressive 2-1 victory over Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final in France on Thursday evening, only for goalkeeper Andre Onana to drop a second howler of the night in injury time, meaning the contest finished all square.
It means United will travel north this afternoon having failed to win each of their last three matches. Regarding the team news, head coach Ruben Amorim is expected to pick from the same pool of players that featured in the 23-man squad in midweek, with only Chido Obi set to return after being unavailable to play in Europe.
Below, our writers have had their say on how they would like to see United line up:
Samuel Luckhurst
If United had a number two with the pedigree of Sergio Romero then dropping Onana would be a no-brainer. The prospect of Altay Bayindir, who conceded comically from a direct corner at Tottenham, against Newcastle's bruise brothers could do more harm than good. It's an invidious position for Amorim to be in.
Mason Mount needs to finally start a game and United should try and give Kobbie Mainoo an hour. Rasmus Hojlund has to be dropped, even with no alternative senior striker available.
Steven Railston
Mazraoui has played almost every game this season and he should be given a rest ahead of the second leg against Lyon, which would provide Shaw with the opportunity to start for the first time in a year.
Mainoo made a good impact from the bench earlier in the week. He delivered a brilliant performance alongside Ugarte in the pivot at Anfield and I would give it another go.
Hojlund should be dropped, but Zirkzee is not a striker, so Fernandes can play as a false nine.
George Smith
Onana's blunders at the Groupama Stadium were unforgivable and he should be dropped as punishment. Bayindir was excellent when he starred against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January, proving he is more than capable of stepping up.
The second leg against Lyon has to take priority over the trip to St James', meaning I would bring Shaw into the team should he be fit enough to start. I would also like to see Amorim take a punt on Amass as a starter for the first time.
In midfield, Ugarte will be lucky if he keeps his place after a poor night against Lyon, but Casemiro is the more likely candidate to drop out. Mainoo is a logical replacement for the Brazilian.
Zirkzee deserves a recall after his goal in France, and Hojlund, in the absence of any other senior strikers, is likely to start. Zirkzee has demonstrated countless times he is not an alternative to lead the attack as a No.9.
*These selections were made before the MEN reported that Onana has been dropped for the clash against Newcastle United.
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