Manchester United will host Newcastle United on Boxing day. A win for Newcastle would see them go level on points with the Red Devils. United on the other hand need a win if they hope to remain in contention for Champions League football next season.
Manchester United have been inconsistent for much of the season. It was a loss last time out against Aston Villa after a stunning display from Morgan Rogers. The game also saw their captain and one of the club's key players Bruno Fernandes injured.
They had previously drew to AFC Bournemouth with the help of goals from Fernandes and Amad Diallo. With the latter of the two away at AFCON, along with Bryan Mbuemo and Noussair Mazraoui, it will be a selection headache for Amorim as he tries to fill the gaps in his line up.
The last time Manchester United won was against 20th place Wolves. They got a convincing 1-4 victory away from home, goals from Mason Mount, Mbuemo and Fernandes.
Newcastle United were unfortunate to drop points against Chelsea after going 2-0 up through Woltemade. The game finished 2-2 after a second half come back from the Blues. Newcastle did have luck in the Carabao Cup beating Fulham 2-1 to progress to the semi final.
The Magpies will still be reeling from a loss to local rivals Sunderland, an own goal from Woltemade sealing the points for the Black cats. They will be keen to do well against United as a win will launch the club into as high as seventh, putting them back into contention for European Football.
The last win in the League for Newcastle came against 19th place Burnley. A hard fought 2-1 victory over the Clarets was the fourth and final game in an undefeated run for the Magpies.
Recent history is on the side of Newcastle United in this fixture. The Magpies have won four of their last five Premier League fixtures against the Red devils most recently beating them comprehensively at St James Park. Newcastle put four past Manchester United, resulting in a 4-1 win.
The one game of the past five that United won, was in May of 2024. A tight 3-2 scoreline gave the three points to the Red Devils.
