In a break from tradition, there will be just one Premier League fixture this Boxing Day, as Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United welcome Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United to Old Trafford.

With the hectic New Year schedule looming, both sides will be eager to collect three valuable points in what promises to be a compelling festive encounter.

Absences Bite on Both Sides

Both teams arrive significantly weakened, with seven players unavailable apiece.

Manchester United have flirted with the Premier League’s top five in recent weeks but have yet to crack it. Victory over Newcastle would see them move there—temporarily at least. Newcastle, meanwhile, could draw level with United if they leave Old Trafford with all three points.

United’s biggest concern is the absence of Bruno Fernandes. The club captain was withdrawn at half-time against Aston Villa—only the third such substitution of his Old Trafford career—after appearing to tweak his hamstring.

Given Fernandes’ importance, his absence looms large. Since joining in 2020, the Portuguese midfielder has missed just 17 of United’s 325 matches. The Red Devils win 48.1% of league games when he plays, compared to just 33.3% without him.

Also sidelined is Kobbie Mainoo, who suffered an injury in training, while this fixture comes too soon for Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. United are further depleted by Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, all away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. There is some good news, however, as Casemiro returns from suspension.

Newcastle could be boosted by the expected return of Nick Pope, but Eddie Howe remains without William Osula, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth.

Recent Meetings Favour the Magpies

The recent head-to-head record leans heavily Newcastle’s way. The Magpies have won five of the last six meetings, including two clean-sheet victories at Old Trafford.

Aside from United’s 3-2 win in May 2024, they have scored just one goal in the other five fixtures, that coming in a 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park in April 2025.

That said, Newcastle’s broader away record at Old Trafford is far less imposing. They have won only one of their last 10 league visits—a 2-0 victory in December 2024—and have claimed just one away win from eight league matches this season.

Form Guide and Tactical Concerns

United’s recent run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, following a four-game unbeaten spell that included wins over Wolves and Crystal Palace, plus draws against Bournemouth and West Ham.

Newcastle have lost just once in their last six matches—a painful 1-0 derby defeat to Sunderland. Elsewhere, they have beaten Burnley, Everton and Manchester City, while drawing with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

For Amorim, defensive improvement is key. United have scored 31 goals this season—joint second-most in the league—but have also conceded 28, the worst record among the current top 14 sides.

They lead the league for total shots (281) and shots on target (97), and only Manchester City have scored more goals. However, without Mbeumo (six goals) and Fernandes (seven assists), creativity and end product may suffer. Much will rest on Matheus Cunha, United’s most frequent shooter this season (47 attempts).

In 13 of their 17 league matches, both teams have scored—perhaps best summed up by the chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, thrilling yet deeply frustrating in equal measure. Clean sheets, even sporadic ones, could transform United’s campaign.

Newcastle’s Balancing Act

Newcastle face the opposite issue. Their 22 goals conceded represents one of the league’s stronger defensive records, yet they have scored just 23 goals, leaving them with a modest +1 goal difference.

Seven of those goals have come from summer signing Nick Woltemade, who will be eager to add to his tally at Old Trafford after the unfortunate own goal that handed Sunderland derby bragging rights. His 11 shots on target lead the team.

Midfield linchpin Bruno Guimarães continues to pull the strings, leading Newcastle for both chances created (20) and passes completed (775).

Expect Late Drama

One final subplot: the closing stages. Both teams score—and concede—the majority of their goals between the 75th and 90th minute, suggesting fireworks could await regardless of the scoreline.

With festive intrigue, injury-hit squads, and recent history adding spice, Boxing Day’s lone Premier League offering has all the ingredients for a compelling holiday showdown.

A festive treat awaits… 🎄⚽