Eddie Howe hopes that Bruno Guimaraes can make up for lost time in the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
The Brazil star has been suspended for the last three matches but is free to face the Red Devils after his red card in the semi-finals against Southampton. Howe is waiting patiently to see if Joe Willock is available after a hamstring injury after the ex-Arsenal star returned to training this week.
If Willock doesn't make it, Howe has a choice of either Joelinton dropping back into midfield or Elliot Anderson to partner Sean Longstaff and Bruno in the middle. For now, the head coach is just delighted to see Bruno back in training.
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The Newcastle boss said: "He’s OK, he’s good. He’s been really disappointed to miss the last few games, and he’s felt very frustrated not to help the team. But he’s back – and he’s in a good place."
Howe isn't the only happy to see Bruno back with skipper Kieran Trippier welcoming him back to team. Trippier said: "Bruno’s massive. What he brings to the team is quality on and off the ball. The lads have missed him – of course we have – but we’ve dealt with it well.
"Longy (Sean Longstaff) has been unbelievable all season, and players have stepped up, and that's what you need. There are going to be injuries and suspensions during the season, and you need everyone to be ready if they are called upon.
"I've been in the situation before where I've not been starting, and I've been called upon for England, and I need to be ready. Everyone will get their chance at some point this season. You look at the goalkeeper situation – everyone has to be ready."
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