Manchester United might recall their two most important players vs Newcastle

Important players back?

Raphael Varane is United's most important player, so much so even in a two-minute appearance at Everton he prevented a probable equaliser with a deft header.

Varane was sensibly rested against Omonia Nicosia and Christian Eriksen started on the bench for the first time. Eriksen's immediate importance to United has offset the failure to extradite Frenkie de Jong to Manchester and the Dane will have to be carefully managed over the next week.

Martial eased back in?

Anthony Martial will have had two training sessions at the very maximum in the preparations for Newcastle, so it would be advisable to ease him back into the team, especially as Martial has been a game-changer off the bench.

Also read: United give team news vs Newcastle

Tottenham and Chelsea are on the calendar next week and Martial's movement against Antonio Conte's back three and Chelsea's defensive duo could be decisive.

It would be churlish to underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo, though. He pillaged seven goals in five starts against Newcastle, Spurs and Chelsea last season.

Bench options

Jadon Sancho was much more energetic in midweek and could be a vital support player today. Erik ten Hag relocated Marcus Rashford so Sancho and fellow substitute Luke Shaw could link up down the left and their combination play accelerated United's attacks.

United are lighter in midfield as Scott McTominay is suspended, so Zidane Iqbal could make a Premier League squad for the first time.

Favourable record maintained?

United have lost one of their last 42 home games against Newcastle and that blemish was, of course, under David Moyes.

Eddie Howe has impressively developed Newcastle into a more competitive side whilst respecting the demands of the fanbase.