Erik ten Hag could bring one Manchester United career to an end vs Newcastle

The current predicament at Manchester United means every match the Reds go into is must-win.

Following the derby day nightmare, the onus is on United to perform much better tonight when they host Newcastle in the Carabao Cup round of 16. Ordinarily, the League Cup is seen as a competition where fringe players get an opportunity for much-needed minutes.

However, for one midfielder, the expectation riding on this game means his chances of playing tonight have been cut to near zero. Once the inevitable end of Donny van de Beek's United career comes, there will be an inquest into how the Reds managed to drop the ball so badly on the former Ajax man.

READ MORE: Van de Beek verdict sums up his sorry situation

READ MORE: Mainoo is someone for United fans to look forward to

On paper, Van de Beek would be an ideal inclusion tonight against Newcastle considering the midfield is of such concern at present. Instead, there are a handful of names more likely to start ahead of the Dutchman.

Against Crystal Palace, Van de Beek was given 20 minutes to show Ten Hag what he was missing but little has changed in his position at Old Trafford and now a January exit seems almost inevitable. Failing to feature the 26-year-old against Eddie Howe's men tonight will surely be the final act in the culmination of the midfielder's career.

In his place going forward will likely be a youngster who is just making his way at United currently. Kobbie Mainoo's chances of featuring against Newcastle were dashed due to his involvement in the Papa John's Trophy defeat to Salford City on Halloween, but in his performance he proved he was worthy of a grander stage.

Spreading the ball around with effortless ease, the teenager showed confidence above his