Erik ten Hag can finally do something he has never done with 10 Manchester United players vs Newport County

United have not played in two weeks and have a four-day wait until they resume their Premier League campaign at Wolves. They have five league games in February and have to obtain between 12-15 points if they are to become credible challengers for a top-four spot.

Players need match rhythm and a run-out at the 14th-placed League Two team is an opportune occasion.

Hints at strongest XI?

The long-term futures of Raphael Varane and Casemiro are about as certain as Rishi Sunak's but most United fans would have them in a 'best' XI. It remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will.

Ten Hag has never been able to pick his strongest side at United but he will have the best 10 outfield players this weekend. Nobody is pretending Mason Mount or Sofyan Amrabat are among them.

READ MORE: Ten Hag reacts to Klopp leaving Liverpool

READ MORE: Ten Hag explains why United won't sign a striker

A comprehensive win?

Even against 18th-placed Wigan of League One, United required another goal from a defender and a Bruno Fernandes penalty to settle a match where they were never in peril.

United have scored four goals in two matches under Ten Hag (Aston Villa and Real Betis last season) and there have been only three victories this season by a two-goal margin or more. They are struggling for goals but should be thrashing Newport, unbeaten in their last seven games.

A wait for 250?

There were two academy members on the bench at Wigan without first-team experience and Omari Forson cameoed late on to become the 249th graduate to appear for the United first team. Forson, 18, could make a permanent move before next week.

Joe Hugill, the other substitute, is on loan at Burton Albion and with a reduced injury list, United may be without a budding