Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Confirmed: Solskjaer's team to face Newcastle

Sunday 21 February 2021 18:00

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made five changes from his midweek Europa League XI as the Reds return to Premier League action against Newcastle United at Old Trafford tonight.

The Reds beat Real Sociedad 4-0 in Turin last Thursday evening in the first leg of the last-32 tie, but the manager has assembled his regular back five with David De Gea returning to replace Dean Henderson in goal.

Victor Lindelof is also recalled, to partner captain Harry Maguire at the centre of the defence, and Luke Shaw takes up the left-back role, coming in for Alex Telles. It is the same back five that appeared in our 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion in the league match last weekend.
Ole's pre-match interview Video

Ole's pre-match interview

The boss discusses his five changes, Dan James's form and how Nicky Butt's presence on the bench could help us...

Elsewhere in the team, Nemanja Matic comes in for Scott McTominay from the XI who successfully brought home that fantastic first-leg lead from Italy. Up front, Anthony Martial, who started at the Hawthorns, is back in the attack with Mason Greenwood taking up a place on the bench.

Daniel James, who scored our fourth goal against Real Sociedad on Thursday, keeps his place as the Reds look to get back to winning ways in the league following back-to-back draws against West Brom and Everton since that sensational Old Trafford 9-0 thrashing of Southampton.

United: 
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire. Shaw; Fred, Matic; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.

Substitutes: 
Henderson, Bailly, Telles, Tuanzebe, Williams, Amad, Mata, Shoretire, Greenwood.
Two potential Premier League debutants are on the bench against the Geordes - Amad, who made his first Reds appearance as a substitute in Turin, and 17-year-old Shola Shoretire, who was born in Newcastle and was also among the subs against Real Sociedad.

Our legendary defender and former captain Steve Bruce brings the Magpies to Old Trafford having won two of their last four league matches, but his side are perilously close to the relegation zone. He has named this side to face the Reds:

Newcastle: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton.

Substitutes: Dubravka, Dummett, Carroll, Ritchie, Gayle, Hendrick, Fraser, Murphy, S Longstaff.

Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT and you can follow live updates on ManUtd.com and in our Official App.

Club statement on coaching staff

 Article

The Reds release an update ahead of this evening's game against Newcastle.

SOLSKJAER'S PRE-MATCH QUOTES

"As a precaution we’ve isolated some of the coaching staff so Nicky [Butt] and Mark [Dempsey] are coming in with me. I’ve worked with Mark for a long time and, of course, everyone knows about Nicky so it's good advice to get.

“Edinson [Cavani] isn't fit yet and with injuries we can’t force players to play too early, it’s too risky so hopefully [he can play on] Thursday, maybe Sunday.

“Scott [McTominay] is injured as well, but Nemanja’s done well when he's had to come in. Scott hurt his ankle, but Nemanja has played many games so he’s ready now to get going. Paul, Donny and Scott are all injured so I’m glad I’ve got Fred and Nemanja.

“I thought Dan James's performance was excellent against Real Sociedad, giving us energy in the pressing, giving us runs in behind and keeping the width for us so we felt he deserves another start.

“We’ve cut the squad a little bit in the transfer window and it’s a tight group and they [youngsters Amad and Shoretire] get a chance. That’s what we do at this club and hopefully we can give them some experience that will stand us in good stead later.”

Ole was speaking to Sky Sports and MUTV.

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