Eddie Howe simply must start ‘outstanding’ £40m player out of position vs Man United on Wednesday

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Eddie Howe has plenty of selection dilemmas ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United.

But while normally it would be a case of multiple players vying for one position, Howe is actually dealing with a depleted Newcastle squad.

The Magpies have limited options ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth round clash, with Newcastle suffering multiple injuries ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. They appear to have come out of the trip to Wolves unscathed, but it was very clear that the Toon players were absolutely shattered during the 2-2 draw at Molineux.

That is why Howe needs to shuffle his side for the game against Man United, and that should lead to an unorthodox change in attack.

Callum Wilson should not start against Manchester United

Callum Wilson started against Wolves, scoring twice to take his season tally to seven. It was good to see him among the goals, especially with Alexander Isak currently out of action with a groin injury.

And it is that groin injury why Howe should not start Callum Wilson against Manchester United.

The 31-year-old is our only fit out and out striker right now, and Howe needs to manage his load. We have some huge games coming up, meaning Newcastle need to ensure that the Toon number nine avoids any injuries.

Anthony Gordon should take his place up front for Newcastle

With his fitness record, it would be unwise to start Wilson at Old Trafford. And with no direct alternatives, that means Howe must turn to Anthony Gordon.

The £40million winger is enjoying an ‘outstanding‘ season, having thrived on the left of Newcastle’s attack. However, Howe has stated that Gordon is capable of playing through the middle, and that is exactly what he must do on Wednesday night.

It is not his natural position, but Gordon has the speed to hurt Man United as a lone striker, and is Newcastle’s best option to start up front as the fixtures begin to pile up.

It would be a disaster to lose Wilson at this moment in time, so Howe must err on the side of caution and keep him in reserve ahead of tough clashes with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

While a lot of fans will want Newcastle to go all out in the Carabao Cup, there is no reason to believe Gordon does not have the ability to thrive against Man United as a striker on Wednesday night in place of Wilson.