Team news
Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes for the next few games after the captain picked up a hamstring injury at Villa Park, a blow also aggravated by Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder suffered a calf problem during training last week, eliminating the most natural replacement for Fernandes in the engine room.
As a result, Casemiro is expected to return straight to the starting line-up following his yellow card suspension, likely taking on additional responsibility in midfield. Lisandro Martinez could also push for a start after catching the eye with a lively cameo in the West Midlands, possibly at the expense of Manuel Ugarte, who struggled to impose himself in that match. The defensive concerns remain with Ruben Amorim. Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem, while Harry Maguire continues his recovery from a thigh injury. In addition, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are now away for the Africa Cup of Nations, further thinning United’s options on the pitch.
Newcastle could get a boost in time between the posts, with Eddie Howe suggesting Nick Pope has a chance to return from a groin injury to reclaim the goalkeeping jersey from Aaron Ramsdale. Yet the Magpies remain tense at the back with Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles all unavailable, alongside William Osula. This absence is likely to force further improvisation, with teenager Lewis Miley expected to fill an unfamiliar right-back role once again. However, former United winger Anthony Elanga is unlikely to get a starting spot against his old club.
Form guide
Manchester United’s festive mood was dampened by the defeat at Aston Villa, where Morgan Rogers struck twice either side of a Matheus Cunha equalizer to end the Red Devils’ four-match unbeaten run. The 2-1 defeat was only Amorim’s second since early October, but it still felt particularly costly given the circumstances and Fernandes’ injury.
United go into the Boxing Day match in seventh place in the Premier League, still within touching distance of the top four, but face a familiar problem in the absence of their captain. Since the start of the 2022/23 season, they have failed to win a league match without Fernandes in the starting XI, drawing once and losing six while struggling badly for goals in those games.
Newcastle, meanwhile, arrives at Old Trafford with frustrations of their own. A dramatic 2-2 draw against Chelsea last weekend demonstrated both their attacking potential and their continued vulnerability. Nick Woltemade’s quick-fire brace put Howe’s side firmly in control early on, but they surrendered their lead as the visitors fought back. That inconsistency has defined the Magpies’ campaign so far. With six wins, six defeats and five draws, they are three points behind United and remain in the bottom half. Performance often promised more than results, leaving them still searching for momentum midway through the season.
Predicted outcome
We predict that Manchester United will draw 1-1 against Newcastle. The Devils’ recent record without Fernandes offers little encouragement, especially with key forwards absent due to AFCON commitments.
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