Match Preview: Manchester United vs. Newcastle

Manchester United are in Boxing Day action with an evening kick-off against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The Magpies did the double over the Reds last term but sit below us in the Premier League table, in 11th spot.

With the difference only three points, though, it’s important Ruben Amorim’s side bounce back from our unlucky 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.

All eyes are now on the Theatre of Dreams, and it promises to be another pulsating encounter at our home, on the back of our last outing here, the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

United have not won at Old Trafford since October, when we overcame Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2.

Draws were secured against West Ham United and Bournemouth, following a 1-0 loss to 10-man Everton.

We have scored nine times in our past three outings, though, and have looked the part going forward, boosting hopes that we can provide some festive cheer to the Reds fans across the globe.

Newcastle have won only won of their last 11 league games on the road, losing in four of their most recent five away fixtures. However, the solitary win was an impressive 4-1 triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

United are unbeaten in our last 20 home games on 26 December, stretching all the way back to 1978, when Liverpool left Old Trafford with a 3-0 victory. Seventeen of these fixtures have produced victories, three of which came against Friday’s opponents.

In 2012, we won a thriller 4-3 under Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal’s men triumphed 3-1 two years later and, in 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side came from behind to earn a 4-1 success.

TEAM NEWS

Both sides are having to deal with a number of issues in the build-up to the fixture.

United are without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, while injured midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have been described as likely to miss out by head coach Amorim.

Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have also been sidelined but Casemiro returns after serving a one-game ban.

Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey made their senior debuts last weekend, both coming on during the latter stages in the Midlands.

Newcastle are without defenders Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Valentino Livramento.

Sven Botman is close to a comeback, while Lewis Miley, who has been operating at full-back, and Joelinton are being checked but could feature.

Nick Pope is set to be available and challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the goalkeeper’s jersey.