Newcastle United’s line-up vs Man United: Midfielder dropped as key duo ruled out through injury

Joelinton returns to Newcastle United’s starting XI against Manchester United in one enforced change by Eddie Howe.

The Brazilian starts for the first time since September in place of Joe Willock, who is understood to have been ill in the build-up to the game.

Willock is on the bench as Joelinton forms a three-man midfield including fellow countryman Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.

There’s no Allan Saint-Maximin in the squad after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Alexander Isak’s absence stretches to three matches.

Howe sticks with the same back four and three-man attack that beat Fulham and Brentford 4-1 and 5-1, respectively.

Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn start as the full-backs with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman continuing their partnership.

Callum Wilson leads the line with Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron - both scorers last time out - on either side of the Magpies No.9.

Newcastle United XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy. Subs: