Ruben Amorim could do with stopping the rot when Manchester United face Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday night.
Since securing a dramatic Manchester Derby win before Christmas, United have lost three on the bounce without offering too much resistance. Amorim must’ve known he had a mammoth job at his disposal when he arrived in the North West, but the new manager still may have underestimated the size of the task.
The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League table and without much hope of making anything out of their Premier League campaign.
Newcastle, on the contrary, are on the up once more and seem destined to contend for a top-four spot.
The Magpies have benefitted from a relatively clean bill of health and they remain incredibly tough to beat at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s men have lost just one in seven games across all competitions since falling to West Ham on 25 November. Recent performances have pointed towards a side capable of sustaining a push during the second half of the season.
Bruno Fernandes picked up his third red card of the season on Boxing Day and will serve his one-game suspension on Monday night. His absence is unlikely to open up the door for Marcus Rashford to return, however. Amorim recently doubled down on the Englishman’s exile.
Joshua Zirkzee or Alejandro Garnacho seem the most likely contenders to replace Fernandes in United’s front three.
Manuel Ugarte is also suspended due to yellow card accumulation, so there could be a return to the XI for veteran midfielder Casemiro.
The hosts are without Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof due to injury.
Newcastle do have their fair share of injuries, but key performers have critically been able to stay fit.
Nick Pope remains the most notable absentee, but the club’s number one should soon be in action. Monday’s game may arrive too soon, however. Kieran Trippier is also a doubt with a leg injury, while Sven Botman is closing in on a long-awaited return to action having torn his ACL for a second time.
The Magpies are without Callum Wilson due to a hamstring injury and Emil Krafth because of a shoulder issue.
