Dugout Discussion

Greenwood absent and Pogba benched as Solskjaer names surprise starting XI

The last of four Premier League matches to take place on Saturday sees Manchester United head north to face Newcastle United.

Kick-off at St James’ Park is at 20:00 BST.

We suspected there’d be changes to the visitors’ team following the 6-1 humiliation at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago but not many of us would have anticipated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI.

There are five changes to the line-up that started in north London, with the suspended Anthony Martial among the players dropping out.

Marcus Rashford moves up front in the Frenchman’s absence.

That tactical alteration was much-predicted but the omission of Mason Greenwood from the matchday squad was a curveball, while Solskjaer has also sprung a surprise by changing both of his holding midfielders.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic drop to the bench, with Scott McTominay and Fred coming into the side.

Victor Lindelof also ousts Eric Bailly at centre-half, with the hitherto peripheral Daniel James and Juan Mata given the nod to replace Martial and Greenwood.

New signing Alex Telles is only on the bench but the under-fire Harry Maguire has recovered from injury to line up in defence.

The hosts’ team news is much more straightforward.

Steve Bruce has made only one change from the team that originally lined up in the 3-1 win over Burnley, with Jamaal Lascelles replacing the injured Fabian Schar at centre-half.


Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Hendrick, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Wilson.

Manchester United XI: de Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Mata, Bruno Fernandes, James, Rashford.

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1,065 Comments Post a Comment
  1. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    whats with Rashford when it comes to scoring? Maybe not this game specifically, but he misses a lot of chances, too many. I dont get it

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Timing 😆

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        lol indeed, timing. Before the game I thought he was gonna brace, he bettered that I guess. But still he does miss way too many chances, some games he could easily have hatti and gets nothing. It is odd

  2. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I was in the car driving listening to Talk Sport as that Fernandes goal went in. My initial reaction was a fist pump and then my girlfriend spotted my that look on my face when I’m crunching FPL numbers in my head. “Your team scored, forget your fantasy team, enjoy the goal”

    I mean, she is right, but after years of FPL the reaction is involuntary.

  3. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Once Ole gets Cavani & Telles into the swing of things, and the rest catch up to match fitness, can easily see a long winning run for this side. Can finally contend for the title this year and hopefully knick a long run in the CL with all the added experience,

  4. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    RASH GOAL
    BRUNO ASSIT
    4-1

  5. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Damn you Rashford stealing Bruno BAPs

    1. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Still got the assist so i guess it doesnt matter

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Just seen that 🙂

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      But he got an assist :p

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is it 3 BAPs for Bruno?

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yup

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Btw bruno on 3 baps now so that actually gave him an extra bap

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks mate, amazing news

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            🙂

  6. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno haul after all. Most undeserving haul i've ever seen

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Most underserving since his last one

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That means nothing other than he probably deserves a haul.

    3. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easily could have had a hat trick + assist

  7. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Man Utd ARE BACK!

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lmao

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep taking the medication

  8. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If KDB is not playing next GW, whom to replace:
    A. Sterling
    B. Mane
    C. Bruno

  9. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Damn..
    Was close to Rashford on my WC but went for Pulisic instead

    Fail

  10. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno essential,almost 20+ points here

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

  11. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Incredible ball from Bruno.

  12. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Absolute joke

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes u r

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Lol someone hs a soft spot for me it seems, makes you the joke noob, jog on

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          It's okay. U can get Bruno in now. Still not too late

  13. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno 11 points

  14. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Similar performance as against Brighton, won but still looked dreadful

  15. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best James replacement for 5.9 or less?

    Thinking Doherty

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PVA punt

      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He’s found his way into my team a few times over the years

    2. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Regullon I'd be keeping an eye on tomorrow

      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah will have a look at both tomorrow

  16. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Where is Bruno's assist

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Fixed and 3 baps included. Fine.

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He wont get 3

        1. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          oh brother how on earth is that how the system works jesus

        2. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He will

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Not a chance loser

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Haha im just stating facts. U don't have to get so butthurt 😆

  17. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have no idea what to do next with this team?
    Best James and KDB replacements?
    Chilwell and Mane?

    Martinez
    Saiss Semedo Lamptey James Mitchell
    KDB Salah Son Grealish Barnes
    Jimi DCL Brewster

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes sounds good.

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno
      Pva

    3. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno Robertson

  18. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    VDB slots into this United team very nicely.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Intelligent young footballer

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah he links up well and keeps the ball moving swiftly and fluidly. Something United have really lacked. Usually slow and rigid play.

  19. Londongeezaa
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I bought in Bruno as a permanent replacement to KDB. Always involved.

  20. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Could easily have been 5-6. Bruno, Rashy, and later even Telles would probably be essential for FPL so good on those who saved the WC. O.o

  21. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How does Bruno keep hauling from nothing?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Luck and poor teams, nothing else

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Missed pen and offside goal. Could have been much more tbh

    2. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      From nothing? He was unlucky not to get another 10+ points

  22. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Naturally sold Rashford and Adams on the wild card. Urrrgh.

  23. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If KDB is out for a while, KDB > Bruno sensible?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      See above

    3. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno is a points machine.

      1. FPL_trail_runner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Unsustainable

        United got a nice slice of luck with the fact newcastle didnt have a goalie in the last 30min

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Try to say that without crying

          1. FPL_trail_runner
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            People can have views which are not related to affecting fpl

            Im doing more than good.

            Its based on the fact he again is relying on pens with a low creative team who got lucky - Newcastle goalie was injured from the 60min minute

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Why are u disregarding pens? They're part of the game and united already have 3 in 4 matches. Plus he had a goal ruled out as offside because of mata which wasn't his fault. And the keeper was obviously not injured if he was still playing. Having mild discomfort doesn't make u horrible all of a sudden. Many players play through the pain barrier. (I don't know what his injury was btw. Must have missed it. Could u tell me what it was?) Also the keeper had nothing to do with the quality of chances being created by united in last 30 minutes btw either. And if ur argument is that if bruno hadnt scored then they Newcastle wouldn't have attacked then look at brunos goal. Buffon in his prime couldn't have saved that.

  24. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    thank you Bruno, I take my flaming back. You had a good game and were unlucky, coulda been a 21 pointer...

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      23

    2. BeaversWithAttitude
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      "Dream on" - Nazareth

  25. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I can’t stand this season
    Werner, rashford and Adams out on wc.

    My transfers this season are a net lost of over 120 points. More than all of last season combined

    1. Londongeezaa
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ouch

    2. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm with you, binned off the exact same 3.

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why did you take out Rashford before Newcastle who are utter dog shite?

  26. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    At least Solsjoker isn’t going anywhere for now

  27. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    4 games today, 16 goals...

  28. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Disaster after all for a non Utd owner. And it all happened in the last few minutes, unbelievable...

    1. BeaversWithAttitude
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I know, Newcastle is shocking.

  29. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    After a shocking first four weeks, I captained Rashford today

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      well done, I got my first captain goal today (DCL)

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Well done mate!

  30. Underdogs11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno (C). Finally! Rollercoaster.