Manchester United go all guns blazing against Newport County in the FA Cup, with Erik ten Hag fielding a near-first-choice XI fueled by key returns and a hunger for silverware.
With Onana in Africa and Martial sidelined, Altay Bayindir gets his long-awaited debut in goal, aiming to handle the pressure with his Turkish experience.
READ: Who is Man United Keeper Altay Bayindir? Turkiye’s Rising Star
“He’s waited for his chance but he is experienced, he played in a big club in Turkey under big pressure, he knows how to deal with it,” Ten Hag said of Bayindir at his pre-match press conference.
“So we are looking forward to Sunday. Altay is waiting for this moment and this is his moment.”
Bayindir will finally get a chance to prove himself in goal after a lengthy wait. And could also get to start against Wolves on Thursday depending on when Onana returns from AFCON.
Cameroon have been eliminated so Onana will return soon but it is unknown when he will be back or whether he will need a rest after the tournament.
Luke Shaw joins Harry Maguire back in the fold after injury, bolstering the defense alongside Lisandro Martinez, who could see his first start since the Tottenham draw.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo anchor the midfield, while the attacking trident of Garnacho, Fernandes, and Antony promises fireworks. Up front, Rasmus Hojlund seeks to continue his goalscoring form.
Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans remain doubtful due to illness, but even their absence doesn’t dampen the Red Devils’ intent. The FA Cup offers their last shot at a trophy this season, and Ten Hag is leaving nothing to chance.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Bayindir; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony; Hojlund
