Manchester United vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more as Bruno Fernandes returns

Newcastle have won four of their last seven away league matches, having only managed one victory in their first 10 attempts this season (two draws, seven defeats).

The Magpies are aiming to finish in the top six of the Premier League in consecutive seasons for the first time since a run of three from 2001/02 to 2003/04 under Sir Bobby Robson.

Manchester United’s 14 league defeats this season is their most in a single campaign since losing 16 in 1989/90. United are one short of losing 10 competitive home games in a season for the first time in their history.

Eddie Howe’s side have won each of the last three meetings between the teams in all competitions including a 3-0 win here in November.

Newcastle could complete a league double against their hosts for the first time since the 1930/31 campaign.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes returns and takes the place Rasmus Hojlund. Lisandro Martínez and Marcus Rashford are on the bench after recent injuries.

Fpr Newcastle, Kieran Trippier makes his first start for since 2 March after recovering from injury. He replaces Tino Livramento. Alexander Isak is fit to start and Nick Pope is on the bench for the third game in a row.

Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Casemiro, Dalot; Amrabat, Mainoo; Amad, McTominay, Fernandes; Garnacho.

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Anderson, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

The Manchester United boss was also full of praise for the fans who are struggling to comprehend such a topsy-turvy season for their club.

“I think at Crystal Palace the fans were so magnificent,” Ten Hag said, “They were brilliant.

“So you said the mood is low, maybe the expectations are lower. But the mood, I don’t feel that the mood and the vibe that they create is lower. They make a lot of noise and they back the team at Palace and also on Sunday.”

Premier League clubs are set to vote on the future of VAR at their annual general meeting next month after a proposal to abolish the video assistant referee system was tabled by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves formally submitted their proposal to the Premier League calling for VAR to be scrapped this summer and there will be an opportunity for all 20 clubs to vote for or against VAR when they gather in Harrogate on June 6.

VAR has been used in the English top-flight since 2019 but has persistently been controversial with the current season seeing a plethora of incidents leading to increased criticism of the processes involved.

Erik ten Hag was also drawn into the importance of this evening’s match which United need to win in order to have a chance at qualifying for Europe next season.

He said: “It is clear that this is a very important game. Look at the ranking [of the table]. It is very important to get the win. We have to put everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”

Manchester United’s star performer, Bruno Fernandes, could make a return to the team tonight and Erik ten Hag has been praising his captain saying:

“I think that it is clear. He is, also now, but I think in all the years, I think he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the whole Premier League.

“So many assists, so many goals, it is clear he is a very important player for us.”

The 54-year-old’s future is subject of widespread speculation given the way things have dramatically gone off course following a promising first season in the hotseat.

Ten Hag has managed to lead injury-ravaged United to another FA Cup final against Manchester City, but their wretched league form has seen doubts over his future as Ineos makes sweeping changes.