Manchester United vs Newcastle: Preview, Team News, Probable Lineups and Prediction

In a unique festive fixture, Manchester United and Newcastle United will face off at Old Trafford in the Premier League's sole Boxing Day match.

Historically, this day has favoured the Red Devils, who hold the record for the most Premier League wins on December 26 with 22. Conversely, Newcastle's 16 losses on this date are the joint-most in the competition's history. However, recent form suggests that past records may not be a reliable guide for this encounter.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Manchester United's festive mood was dampened last weekend following a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Two exceptional strikes from Morgan Rogers, sandwiching a goal from Matheus Cunha, ended United's four-game unbeaten run. It was only their second loss since the beginning of October.

The result saw Ruben Amorim's side slip to seventh in the Premier League table, but the more significant blow was a hamstring injury to captain Bruno Fernandes. His absence is a major concern for the team.

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Manchester United have played seven league games without Fernandes in the starting lineup and have failed to win any of them, recording six losses and a single draw. The team is also without a win in their last three home league matches and has not kept a clean sheet in 10 games, dating back to a shutout against Sunderland on October 4.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were unable to secure a clean sheet against their Tyne-Wear rivals, Sunderland, conceding a goal from their own player, Nick Woltemade. However, the German forward redeemed himself with a quick-fire brace against Chelsea last weekend. Despite his efforts in a dominant first half, Eddie Howe's side faltered, allowing the Blues to fight back for a 2-2 draw.

Currently 10th in the table, three points behind Manchester United, the Magpies have struggled for consistency this season with a record of six wins, six losses, and five draws. Defensive solidity, once a hallmark of Howe's teams, has also been an issue, with Newcastle failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 matches across all competitions.

Furthermore, the Magpies have only managed one away win in the Premier League this season. On a more positive note, only Arsenal (7) and Crystal Palace (9) have conceded fewer goals on the road than Newcastle's 10. Fans will also remember that almost exactly one year ago, Howe guided his team to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, completing a league double over the Red Devils.

Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes for "a few games" due to his hamstring injury. Kobbie Mainoo, a potential replacement, is also out with a calf problem. Casemiro is expected to return from suspension to fill the void in midfield, while Lisandro Martinez could start ahead of Manuel Ugarte after an impressive substitute appearance.

The hosts are also missing Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Harry Maguire (thigh). Additionally, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are unavailable due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

For Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope might return from a groin injury, potentially replacing Aaron Ramsdale. However, the team is still contending with a significant defensive injury list, including Dan Burn (abdominal), Tino Livramento (knee), Kieran

Trippier (thigh), Emil Krafth (knee), Sven Botman (back), and Jamaal Lascelles (fitness). William Osula (ankle) is also sidelined.

Youngster Lewis Miley is likely to continue at right-back, while former United player Anthony Elanga is not expected to start against his old club.

The match will kick off at 11pm Kenyan time on Friday and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Manchester United: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Martinez, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko

Newcastle United: Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon

Manchester United's recent record without Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup is a cause for concern. The team has lost six of their last seven Premier League matches when the Portuguese midfielder has not started, scoring a mere four goals in that span. This suggests that Ruben Amorim's side may struggle to exploit Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities.