Manchester United could do something they have never done under Erik ten Hag vs Newcastle

Man United take on Newcastle in the Premier League this evening and here are five things to look out for at St James' Park.

Mainoo in?

"He showed on Sunday he was ready," Erik ten Hag said of Kobbie Mainoo, "and then we have to manage three games in six days to get the best results of all the games.

"We have more than 11 players, we have good options there. Sofyan Amrabat also showed he was playing a very good game. We have the options, you manage the load of the players and it's about freshness as well."

Ten Hag went on to laud Mainoo's "scanning. It looks like he always has time because he is scanning, he is running free, then he is scanning to see the options and then make the right decisions. He can delay, he can speed up. He makes the right decisions."

Mainoo was man of the match at a raucous Goodison Park and acquitted himself confidently in the lion's den of the Ali Sami Yen Arena as a second-half substitute. If he is to have a transformative effect at United then he has to start regularly.

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Any defensive changes?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is better equipped to nullify Wilfried Zaha and he did so on his recall in midweek. Wan-Bissaka also claimed a rare assist for Scott McTominay whereas Diogo Dalot somehow missed a well-positioned Anthony Martial in the dying embers.

Anthony Gordon has hit his stride at Newcastle this season and that could ensure Wan-Bissaka keeps his place.

Rashford on the bench?

Alejandro Garnacho has two goals in as many games, Bruno Fernandes is the captain, Rasmus Hojlund the focal point and Antony produced his best performance of the season against Galatasaray. There is not a compelling case to recall Marcus Rashford, available again after his European suspension.

Rashford scored at Everton last week, albeit from the penalty spot, and his performance in the first half was in keeping with his aimless form before the November internationals.

Ten Hag does not have to frame it as a demotion but most United fans would have Rashford on the bench on Tyneside.

Statement win?

United have not beaten a top-half team away from home in the Premier League since Fulham in November 2022. Their last away league triumph against a team that could be considered a big-hitter or top eight team was Tottenham in October 2021 in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last win in management. That warrants an asterisk for Spurs sacked Nuno Espirito Santo as manager two days later.

Everton was United's finest away win of the Ten Hag era and they would trump that if they take three points at St James' Park. United require a statement win to back up the fine football they have played in Europe and their efficient league form.

Or will Newcastle deny United again?

United have won only one of their last five games against Newcastle and that was in the League Cup final. Since Eddie Howe's appointment, Newcastle are unbeaten against United in the Premier League and thumped them 3-0 at Old Trafford in the League Cup fourth round last month.