Games are coming thick and fast in the Premier League during the festive period. This occurs as we approach the halfway point of the 2025-26 season.
Boxing Day usually features some of the biggest events on the sporting calendar, but this year, the Premier League will schedule only one game on December 26. Manchester United will face Newcastle United. Many fans are excited to see how Ruben Amorim Manchester United will perform under pressure.
The two teams sit just three points apart in the Premier League standings, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at Old Trafford under the lights. Ruben Amorim's Manchester United will be keen to close the gap.
Ruben Amorim’s side have had their problems in recent weeks. They have picked up just two points from their last two league encounters while nursing injuries and absentees.
The Portuguese tactician has delivered an injury update on Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. This update was ahead of the game against the Magpies. Ruben Amorim Manchester United fans will hope for a positive outcome despite these setbacks.
Manchester United faced a double whammy in their Premier League clash against Aston Villa. They fell to a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park and lost Bruno Fernandes to an injury.
The Portuguese international ranks among the fittest players in world football. He appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and left the pitch at half-time, making way for Lisandro Martinez.
Mainoo, meanwhile, did not make the matchday squad at Villa Park. The young Englishman has spent much of this season on the fringes of Amorim's squad. Although it initially seemed that the coach omitted him for tactical reasons, he was actually managing a calf issue.
Ahead of the game against Newcastle, Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Fernandes and Mainoo will miss the game on Boxing Day. Ruben Amorim Manchester United will need to adapt quickly.
When asked about the pair, Amorim said: "They are recovering and it won't take a lot of time. Mainoo will return faster than Bruno."
Other than the pair, the Red Devils will also be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui. They are representing Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco, respectively, at the AFCON.
Manchester United also have problems at the heart of the backline. Both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are unlikely to feature again this year. They are currently out with hamstring injuries.
The timing of Mainoo's injury is a bit cruel to the young midfielder, as he was largely seen as Fernandes' understudy. However, judging by Amorim's comments, the Englishman shouldn't be out of action for too long. It remains to be seen if he features against Wolverhampton Wanderers next week.
