Who will save coach Erik ten Hag?

The 3-3 draw against Galatasaray cost Man Utd dearly. With them bottom of the group, their chances of progressing in the Champions League are slim. The English side only have themselves to blame, as Andre Onana made two serious mistakes that cost them the win. However, a change in goal is unlikely for their away match against Newcastle in the 14th round of the Premier League.

Coach Erik ten Hag is responsible for the decision to buy Onana – who has been directly responsible for six goals conceded since the start of the season. But with De Gea gone, the Dutch coach doesn't even dare to make personnel changes because his backup is Altay Bayındır – an unknown goalkeeper from Türkiye.

But credit must also be given to manager Erik ten Hag's efforts. Man Utd have improved significantly in their play, especially in attack, in the two matches against Everton and Galatasaray. The midfielders and forwards scored six goals, some from long-range shots, and others from decent combination plays.

Manchester United's midfield improved with the arrival of young talent Kobbie Mainoo. However, according to Erik ten Hag, he may rest his protégé in the match against Newcastle. Sofyan Amrabat had a decent first half in the Champions League before being sent off early after receiving a yellow card.

Man Utd need the steel of the Moroccan star alongside McTominay. Newcastle are still a strong opponent, but a wave of injuries has significantly weakened them. This is good news for Man Utd and especially for manager Erik ten Hag. After several disappointing matches, he desperately needs wins against big opponents to regain the fans' confidence.

When the opponent is having problems, that's an opportunity for Man Utd. If the Manchester team's strikers take advantage of the opportunities, the advantage will come. Conversely, individual mistakes need to be minimized if the players don't want to jeopardize manager Erik ten Hag's job.

Newcastle vs Man Utd lineup:

Newcastle are missing 10 players for various reasons. Some are injured, including Sean Longstaff (ankle), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Joe Willock (heel), Matt Targett (thigh), Javier Manquillo (groin), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (leg), Elliot Anderson (back), Callum Wilson (thigh), and Dan Burn (back).

Sandro Tonali has been suspended for 10 months for participating in betting. Coach Eddy Howe received rare good news: Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth will return to the squad.

Man Utd's situation is not much better, with manager Erik ten Hag missing a number of players due to injury, including Lisandro Martinez (leg), Casemiro (thigh), Jonny Evans (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (calf).

Newcastle vs Man Utd form:

Newcastle have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 6 Premier League matches. The team has had a few games where they haven't performed well. However, the draw against PSG in the Champions League midweek should boost the morale of manager Howe's team.

Manchester United have been unconvincing in their performances, but they've achieved incredible statistics in the Premier League. In their last six matches, the Red Devils have lost one and won five, making them the best-performing team in November. However, the disastrous Champions League match against Galatasaray has severely eroded confidence in manager Erik ten Hag.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Man Utd

Predicted lineup:

Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Amrabat; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Mai Phuong

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