Boxing Day will see the first time ever in the Premier League era, only one match played, but by no means it is not one to miss as Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The Reds have great form when playing matches on 26th December, winning 22 compared to the opposition’s 16 defeats on this day, the joint-most of any team. However, the more recent history of these games is unlikely to be a factor in this evening’s fixture.
Our Christmas celebrations were slightly dampened last weekend as Morgan Rogers’ brace for Aston Villa, which came either side of the half after Matheus Cunha levelled for United, condemned us to a 2-1 defeat in the West Midlands, putting an end to our four-game unbeaten run and only our second defeat since the beginning of October.
The result was tough to take for the travelling faithful as United sit seventh in the table coming into this round of Christmas fixtures. There was further disappointment as captain Bruno Fernandes came off with a hamstring injury that is set to rule him out for up to a month.
It does not make good reading for the Reds, since the start of the 2022-23 Premier League season, we have only been without our Portuguese Magnifico in the starting eleven for seven games, and in which we haven’t won any of them, losing six and drawing one. The omens do not look good further as United, who are also winless in each of their last three Premier League home games and are without a clean sheet in 10 since shutting out Sunderland on October 4.
However, Manchester United boast a perfect Premier League record against Newcastle on Boxing Day, winning all three previous meetings – each under a different manager: a thrilling 4-3 victory in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson, a 3-1 win in 2014 with Louis van Gaal, and a commanding 4-1 triumph in 2019 during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s tenure.
Manchester United Team News
For United, the biggest injury concern to come out of the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa was that of captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set to miss the next month of games in a blow to the Reds. His replacement Kobbie Mainoo has also been ruled out as he continues to recover from a calf problem that he suffered in a training session last week.
Casemiro, who served a one-match suspension, will be Fernandes’ replacement in the midfield. Lisandro Martínez, who came on at Villa Park, has put himself in the frame for a starting berth ahead of Manuel Ugarte after an impressive cameo. Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Harry Maguire (thigh) remain out, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are currently on international duty for their countries in the African Cup of Nations.
Manchester United PREDICTED Lineup
Lammens;
Yoro, Heaven, Shaw;
Dalot, Casemiro, Martinez, Dorgu;
Mount, Cunha; Sesko
Opposition Preview
Newcastle United earned a 2-2 draw last weekend against Club World Cup champions Chelsea with a dominant first-half display that saw Nick Woltemade grab a brace, but then suffered a second-half collapse to pick up one point.
The Magpies sit 11th in the Premier League table and three points worse off than the Reds as they are yet to get themselves back into the top half with their struggles for consistency on the pitch as evident by the six wins, six losses and five draws in this first half of the season.
Known for the defensive quality under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have been unable to keep out the opposition in any of their last 10 games, and have one away win this season. However, only Arsenal (7) and Crystal Palace (9) have conceded fewer goals away from home than Newcastle’s 10. It will be nearly a year to the day that they engineered a 2-0 win at Old Trafford as part of their double over the Reds last season.
Newcastle United Team News
The Magpies have received one piece of good news on the injury front as first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope may return from a groin problem to the squad in place of Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks. However, there are still several injuries affecting Eddie Howe’s side as Dan Burn (abdominal), Tino Livramento (knee), Kieran Trippier (thigh), Emil Krafth (knee), Sven Botman (back), Jamaal Lascelles (fitness) and William Osula (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Lewis Miley could again fill in at right back, but former Red Anthony Elanga is likely to be starting on the bench in his return to Old Trafford.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: WDWDL
Newcastle United Premier League form: WDWLD
Newcastle United form (all competitions): WDLWD
Prediction
Whilst our record without Bruno Fernandes in the side does not make for good reading, it allows others to step up in his place. Casemiro should give us some stability defensively after missing the Villa game through suspension. However, United have to be wary of set-pieces, from which they have conceded 10 goals this season. Games between these sides in recent times have not been boring. Matheus Cunha could play a key role in driving us to victory.
Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United
