Two attacking changes could make Manchester United stronger vs Newcastle

Time is of the essence

It cannot be a coincidence in a week Erik ten Hag met Sir Alex Ferguson for dinner he then effectively applied pressure on a referee ahead of Manchester United's biggest game of the season.

Ten Hag described Newcastle as "annoying... they try to annoy you". When asked if he specifically meant time-wasting, Ten Hag confirmed that was the case.

In fairness to Newcastle, they are not the lowest in the league for the average time the ball is in play during their matches. Leeds are. Then it's Newcastle.

Also read: 'Only people at the club know' - interview with Marcus Rashford

Newcastle are more renowned for it as they are having, by their standards, a successful season and their goalkeeper, Nick Pope, is infamous for it. In Newcastle's goalless draw with Arsenal, the ball was in play for 43 minutes and 17 seconds of the 90.

Referee David Coote and the fourth official Simon Hooper have been forewarned to ensure the ball is not dead as often as it is when Newcastle play.

Does Weghorst continue?

Eleven games and one goal is a disastrous run for any striker, never mind a United striker. United have only lost once since Wout Weghorst defected from Besiktas on loan but he is failing to fulfil the role he was signed for; scoring goals.

Weghorst has struggled for chances during his 11 starts yet last week struck tamely with one-on-ones against Barcelona and Leicester. On Thursday night, his removal sparked United's comeback in their second leg defeat of Barca.

If Weghorst is to be dropped, the caveat is United are limited as to their game-changers. They can 'only' name nine substitutes and recent matches have reinforced how vital their game-changers are off the bench.

Much depends on Marcus Rashford's