Live updates from Old Trafford as Manchester United take on Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League match, with both teams fighting for a spot in Europe.

MAN UTD TEAM ANALYSIS

Let’s take a closer look at the teams, shall we?

Both sides have been plagued with injuries throughout the season, and this is evident in the lineups chosen by Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe.

For Manchester United, they are really down to the bare bones. Andre Onana, the reliable goalkeeper, takes his place between the sticks. The centre-back pairing of Casemiro and Jonny Evans is quite unexpected, considering the circumstances at the start of the campaign. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot are the full-backs, but it is likely that Dalot will be the more attacking of the two, while Wan-Bissaka will be tasked with containing the lively Anthony Gordon on the Newcastle left flank.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat form the pivot. Amrabat will sit deeper, allowing Mainoo the freedom to roam and contribute to the team’s build-up play. Scott McTominay, on the other hand, will play a more advanced role in the engine room. He will operate as a shadow striker, with the talented Bruno Fernandes taking up the false nine position. Rasmus Hojlund, United’s only recognized striker, has been dropped to the bench for this match.

It is clear that both teams have had to make do with what they have due to the injury crisis.

Manchester United’s lineup may raise a few eyebrows, but it will be interesting to see how they adapt to this situation. Will they be able to overcome the odds and secure a victory? Only time will tell.