Manchester United hosts Newcastle tonight at Old Trafford in the sole Premier League fixture on Boxing Day, with both sides severely depleted by injuries and absences. The Red Devils will be without captain Bruno Fernandes, who sustained a thigh injury in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
Manager Ruben Amorim faces up to 15 potential absentees across both squads. Fernandes is expected to miss several weeks, while midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also unavailable due to a calf injury. Defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain sidelined, though Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe may receive a boost with goalkeeper Nick Pope potentially returning from a groin strain to replace Aaron Ramsdale. However, the Magpies face their own injury crisis with Dan Burn out for around six weeks after damaging his ribs and puncturing a lung in the derby defeat to Sunderland.
Teams Struggling for Form
Both clubs sit below expectations in the table. Manchester United occupies seventh place, while Newcastle languishes in 11th – disappointing positions by their respective standards.
The hosts have won just two of their last eight Premier League matches, both away from Old Trafford. Their home record shows two draws and one loss in their last three league fixtures. Newcastle has managed only one away win in the Premier League this season, though both teams share identical recent form with two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five games.
Newcastle's Recent Dominance
The visitors have won five of their last six meetings against Manchester United across all competitions, including a league double last season. Newcastle has lost just once in their last four visits to Old Trafford.
Both teams have scored in nine of Manchester United's last ten games, with over 2.5 goals in eight of those encounters. Similar patterns have emerged in Newcastle's recent matches, with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals in nine of their last ten Premier League fixtures.
Boxing Day Anomaly
Tonight's clash represents the only Premier League match scheduled for Boxing Day – an unusual scenario caused by the league's adjusted schedule due to expanded European competition. Over 60 other domestic and international fixtures take place across various competitions today.
Kick-off is at 8pm, with the match available on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
