Early team news for United v Newcastle

Erik ten Hag’s side continue our defence of the trophy at Old Trafford, in what is a repeat of last season’s final, won 2-0 at Wembley after goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

The fitness of the former remains in question ahead of the visit of Eddie Howe’s side, with the Brazilian having missed the last three games through a combination of injury and suspension.

Casemiro has trained since returning from international duty but wasn’t named in the matchday squad to face City after Ten Hag described him as being ‘in a race against the clock’ to be ready.

Meanwhile Aaron Wan-Bissaka is working his way back to full fitness, having returned to training following six weeks on the sidelines, while Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute at the weekend and could be in contention to feature against the north-east club, who are aiming to win their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

“There’s still a way to go, but, for part of the game, he is ready,” Ten Hag said of Mainoo before Sunday’s game against City.

“That’s good news, because we counted on him this season. He’s a midfield player and we can use his capabilities, his physicality, his taking the ball.

“He’s brave, so [he has] all abilities and skills. He can contribute to the team.”

Raphael Varane was an unused substitute during the derby and could be an option to bring in, as could the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Mason Mount, who were introduced during the second half against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all still sidelined, as is Amad, although the young Ivorian has returned to the grass at Carrington.

NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS

The Magpies are set to be without six first-team players for the trip to Old Trafford, as Eddie Howe also prepares for key games in the coming week against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

Sandro Tonali is serving a 10-month suspension after being charged with betting-related breaches by the Italian Football Federation.

Tonali’s last appearance before the ban came in Newcastle’s home defeat to Dortmund last week, which was damaging in more ways than one.

Alexander Isak (groin) and Jacob Murphy (shoulder) were added to the list of absentees, which also includes young winger Elliot Anderson, who has a stress fracture to the lower back.

Sven Botman has missed the last seven games with a knee injury, meaning club captain Jamaal Lascelles has returned to the fold, while summer signing Harvey Barnes is out until December with a toe problem.