Nick Pope returns to the Newcastle United squad who will play Manchester United in the Premier League on Boxing Day but must settle for a place on the bench.
Pope has missed Newcastle United’s last seven matches following a groin injury he sustained against Marseille last month.
The England goalkeeper made a huge mistake in that game during a period in which he was already attracting criticism from Newcastle fans.
However, the 33-year-old is back in the squad for the trip to Old Trafford.
Nick Pope returns!….To the bench. Who would you have started in goal? 🧤
Sam Alabi on the bench 🫨
In terms of the starting lineup, Eddie Howe does not make any changes to the team who drew with Chelsea before Christmas.
Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal, with Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall at full-back.
Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn are in central defence, with Jacob Ramsey playing alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes up front.
Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy flank Nick Woltemade in attack.
It is a young bench, with Leo Shahar, Sam Alabi and Sean Neave all options in reserve.
Pope, Yoane Wissa, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes offer experience.
Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, William Osula and Tino Livramento are all injured for Newcastle.
Anthony Elanga misses out due to an injury sustained towards the end of the game against Chelsea.
Newcastle United XI vs Manchester United: Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey; J. Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Subs: Pope, Joelinton, Wissa, Barnes, Willock, A. Murphy, Neave, Alabi, Shahar
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