Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that Allan Saint-Maximin is in contention to start at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The French winger made his return from a hamstring injury at the weekend in the 5-1 win over Brentford but only in a cameo role. Saint-Maximin had a hand in the fifth goal which Joelinton swept into the box before Ethan Pinnock turned past his own goalkeeper.
But with Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy in goal form, and in the goals in recent games, Howe must leave somebody disappointed against Manchester United.
When asked about Saint-Maximin, Howe said: "He is in contention, yeah."
Howe though knows somebody will have to be dropped in his place if he does start. Almiron is enjoying a good run and Murphy scored at the weekend.
The truth is, neither deserves to lose their spot at Old Trafford. Speaking to Chronicle Live, Howe said: "A lot of players are disappointed every time I name a team - that is the nature of my job. I think the pleasing thing against Brentford was we had real strength in depth on the bench. We made changes that helped our performance.
"That hasn't always been the case this season. That's an important tool on a match day. So everybody is going to have the chance to play in this period of games coming up, a massive period before the World Cup break. Everybody has a big part to play."
Howe watched Man United on TV on Thursday night as they left it late against Cypriot minnows Omonoia at Old Trafford. It took a 93rd-minute winner from Scott McTominay to secure three points in Group E for the Red Devils in a narrow and nervous 1-0 win.
When asked if he learns anything from nights such as that, Howe said: "You always learn, and yeah I did watch. I have watched a lot of Manchester United like I do with every team I play.
"So you are always looking for things you can help your players with. And build our game plan, so last night was useful."
READ NEXT:
Newcastle United to receive share of £200m handout during Qatar World Cup
Newcastle give Bruno Guimaraes what Mike Ashley couldn't as Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal sigh
Fabian Schar's scary message ahead of Newcastle United clash away to Manchester United
Scotland eager to show Elliot Anderson he is 'part of future' ahead of senior friendly vs Turkey
Bayer Leverkusen reveal Moussa Diaby bid truth as 'a lot of scouts' watch Newcastle target
