Erik ten Hag is ready to overhaul his squad after the terrible defeat in the Manchester United derby. United are still reeling from Sunday's humiliating 3-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, which handed the Ten Hag side their fifth defeat in 10 league matches.
Ten Hag is ready to be ruthless with players in poor form and take the axe to the Carabao Cup defense tonight at home to Newcastle.
Number two goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could make his United debut in place of Andre Onana, while Marcus Rashford, who has scored one goal in 13 matches, faces the risk of being dropped.
Ten Hag have the chance to give their fringe players a chance to prove themselves after their established stars let them down badly in a dismal performance against treble winners Manchester City.
This could see the start of young duo Alejandro Garnacho and Hannibal Mejbri and the return to the starting line-up of Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Antony, and Mason Mount, who were all on the bench on Sunday.
Ten Hag is aware of the short recovery time between Wednesday's game and Saturday's 12.30 p.m. kick-off at Fulham, a game United cannot afford to lose again. A much-changed United squad beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in round three, marking the Red Devils' best performance of the season so far.
Ten Hag will also reflect on the upcoming fixtures next week, when United travel to Copenhagen needing a win to boost their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League before welcoming Luton to Old Trafford ahead of the international break.
The Dutchman chose not to hold a pre-match press conference to preview the clash with Newcastle, whom he beat 2-0 in last season's final at Wembley to end a six-year drought.
However, before Sunday's demolition, Ten Hag provided an update on academy prospect Kobbie Mainoo, who was a regular in pre-season before a serious ankle injury left him must be absent for three months.
“There's still a way to go, but he's ready for part of the match,” the Red Devils coach told MUTV. “It's good news because we are counting on him this season. He's a midfielder and we can use his ability, his physicality, his ability to handle the ball.
He is very brave so [he has] all the abilities and SKILLS. He can contribute to the team.