Early team news: United v Newcastle

It's an important game, with both sides still aiming to qualify for Europe through league position.

A place in the Premier League's top seven is required to do that but United currently sit eighth, three points behind the Magpies, with two games to play.

Chelsea, who travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, are still in the equation too, but as our goal difference is inferior to our two challengers, three points are needed on Wednesday to take the fight to the final day.

There are doubts around several Reds ahead of the game, and Ten Hag has admitted that he is having to find a balance between ensuring players are ready to return and giving them enough game-time before the Emirates FA Cup final on 25 May.

Amad picked up a knock during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and will be assessed, while Jonny Evans also departed the field early, after only recently returning to action.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were again missing due to injury and Ten Hag was asked about their recoveries and likelihood of featuring in the final, in the Old Trafford tunnel.

“It's difficult to say but I don’t think [they are a doubt for Man City], in this moment,” he told the media post-match.

“Of course, they have to make steps and keep in a rhythm. Bruno he missed now two games, Rashy, I think, more.

“If you want to go hard in games like the cup final, you need the minutes, with the game practice. They know that, but also we have to balance that very good, when you make the injuries more worse, then you miss them.”

Hopefully, the boss can provide a further update on the pair in his press conference to preview the Newcastle fixture.

The Arsenal game came too early for Lisandro Martinez, who is closing in on a return after six weeks on the sidelines, and he was sat close to the dugouts at Old Trafford on Sunday, along with Mason Mount, who suffered a 'minor issue' in training last week.

Casemiro continued in defence against the Gunners, with Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane still absent, although Willy Kambwala was able to feature for the final 15 minutes after overcoming his own recent fitness issues.

Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been switching defensive flanks, as United are still without recognised left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. Dalot was stationed on the left against Arsenal, as he managed to keep the dangerous Bukayo Saka quiet for large periods.

Anthony Martial, who has played only once since starting the reverse fixture at St James' Park in December, was pictured in training earlier this month and in the stands watching the weekend game.

NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS

Eddie Howe's men have also struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, although Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Kieran Trippier have returned to action in recent weeks, while goalkeeper Nick Pope has been an unused substitute in the Magpies' last two games.

Callum Wilson missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton, while Alexander Isak departed the pitch early after suffering with an illness, but Howe is hoping to have both players back for the trip to Old Trafford.

The north-east side do have issues in defence, as Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Targett are long-term absentees and Fabian Schar is a doubt. Dan Burn and Emil Krafth have been playing in central defence.

Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock won't be involved again this season.