Alan Pardew’s second string take on Leicester City tonight in the Under-21 League Cup.
The Londoner can’t afford to field too many senior fringe players in his line-up due to Wednesday night’s game with Spurs, and the club have one eye on the FA Youth Cup fifth round tie at Derby County on Sunday at Pride Park.
With Willie Donachie resigning last week from his post as reserve-team chief, Peter Beardsley and Dave Watson will take charge of United against the Foxes tonight (7pm, Whitley Park).
Pardew said: “We had a blow with Willie leaving as well.
“For us it is about making sure performances are strong.
“We’ve got 13 games to go and once we get Tottenham out the way I think we have a strong side and we will finish strong I hope.”