Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a win today against Newcastle United to keep hopes of a second place finish.

It seemingly looks as if Jose Mourinho has conceded the title to rivals Man City even though City dropped points again last weekend, the gap is simply that big. Indeed, such a big swing in United’s favour over the course of the next few months is a big ask, no matter how optimistic our resident Red Devils are.

United are seeking their highest league position finish since they won the title last back in 2013, in what would be a definite sign of progress, despite the distance between them and City. Many of the regulars in the bar think that if it wasn’t for Man City’s incredible run this year, the title race would have been a lot closer than it currently is.

While Jose Mourinho has brought in Alexis Sanchez among other high profile players during his 18-month stint at the club, he’s still kept up with the 80-year tradition of a youth academy player being named in a matchday squad.

With that in mind, our landlord takes a look at TWO players who need to impress Mourinho this afternoon to get more first-team minutes in the remainder of the season…

Scott McTominay

The youngster came in last week in place of a dropped Paul Pogba against Huddersfield and impressed our punters in the bar with his ability to dominate a Premier League engine room with relative easy. McTominay has been given more chances this year and another top display against a Newcastle side struggling for form could give him more minutes in the future as Mourinho looks to promote from within.

Doesn’t look out of depth at all, which is very promising for the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’.

Marcus Rashford

Many forget that Rashford is still only 20 years old, such is the nature of his rapid development a couple of years ago now. Still, with the arrival of Sanchez and the form of Anthony Martial, Rashford seems to be fighting for his place in a talent-packed United frontline.

However, many believe in the bar that a move to a backup striker behind Romelu Lukaku could be the break he needs.

A solid front man display could give Mourinho the confidence that Rashford can own that position and be an integral part of the United set up in the coming seasons.