Manchester United have been handed a major suspension blow ahead of the Premier League clash against Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve.
The Red Devils have had a dreadful league season, and their woes continued at Wolverhampton Wanderers as they suffered a 2-0 defeat yesterday.
United had a decent opening half at Molineux, but things turned pear-shaped after the break following Bruno Fernandes’ sending-off.
The Portuguese star received his marching orders in the 47th minute with a second yellow card. He made a late challenge on Nelson Semedo.
Wolves capitalised on the man advantage to secure a comfortable 2-0 win.
Fernandes’ previous red card against Tottenham Hotspur was rescinded on appeal. He will only miss one game against Newcastle on Monday night.
However, he won’t be the only absentee for the game. Manuel Ugarte is also suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
The Uruguayan had a good outing against Wolves, winning all of his duels. He was surprisingly replaced shortly after the hour mark.
Manager Ruben Amorim could have played him for longer due to his suspension but opted to take off Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
In Ugarte’s absence, Casemiro seems the natural replacement in the number six role. He faces a huge challenge against an in-form Newcastle side.
United have dropped to 14th in the league after an eighth loss. They are seven points adrift of fifth-placed Newcastle United for a potential Champions League spot.
Monday’s game is a must-win for the Red Devils, particularly with tougher assignments to come at Liverpool (league) and Arsenal (FA Cup) in the New Year.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
Article written by Sri Aswin .
