Ten Hag explains United team to face Newcastle

Casemiro returns to action in the middle of the park and wears the captain’s armband as Bruno Fernandes is rested on the bench. 

The Brazilian is joined by Hannibal and Mason Mount in a new-look midfield.

Here, the boss explains the reasoning behind his team selection this evening… 

“We always line up a team that is strong enough [to win],” the boss told Sky Sports pre-match. 

“We have a good squad we can choose [from] - these players deserve to play.” 

Ten Hag has also made wholesale changes to his front three, with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Anthony Martial leading the line for the Reds. 

Elsewhere, Sergio Reguilon comes in for Jonny Evans, with Victor Lindelof rejoining Harry Maguire in central defence. 

These changes pave the way for a strong bench that the Reds can call upon if needed, Erik says.

“We have a strong bench,” he continued. 

“We are not playing with 11, we need a squad, so when necessary they can come on to help the team.” 

Those substitutes include the likes of Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund - plenty of firepower if needed. 

LINE-UPS

United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon; Hannibal, Casemiro, Mount; Garnacho, Martial, Antony. 

Substitutes: Bayindir, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Amrabat, McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. 

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Krafth, Dummett, Targett, Hall; Willock, Longstaff; Ritchie, Gordon, Joelinton. 

Substitutes: Karius, Burn, Lascelles, Trippier, Parkinson, Almiron, Guimaraes, Diallo, Wilson.