Newcastle United make the traditional Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford knowing this is the sort of fixture that can either steady a season or expose the fault lines that still sit beneath the surface.
It also marks the return of our match previews after a brief hiatus. With the festive schedule now in full swing, there felt no better moment to get back into rhythm than a Boxing Day meeting with Manchester United, a fixture that rarely lacks narrative, tension or consequence.
Eddie Howe’s side arrive off the back of a frustrating 2–2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park. It was a performance that summed up Newcastle’s campaign so far. Bright, aggressive and capable of hurting good sides, but still prone to lapses once control slips. Dropping points from a winning position has been a costly business this season, and given how tight the table has been, one can’t help but ponder “what if”, especially given how unforgiving this period of the season tends to be.
Manchester United, meanwhile, continue to search for rhythm. A recent defeat away to Aston Villa extended a run of uneven results and reinforced the sense that this is still a side feeling its way through transition. Injuries, particularly in midfield, have not helped, and there is a growing reliance on moments rather than sustained dominance.
For Newcastle, this feels like an opportunity. Manchester United are short in key areas, the Old Trafford crowd can turn quickly, and Howe’s side have shown over the past couple of seasons that they are no longer overawed by occasions like this.
Recent form
Newcastle’s draw with Chelsea was a game of two halves in more ways than one. The attacking play was sharp and purposeful early on, and should have been over as a contest at half-time, but the inability to fully control the contest once ahead proved costly. That result means Newcastle remain inconsistent, particularly when it comes to turning strong performances into maximum points with the lads now having dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.
Away from home continues to be the issue. Newcastle United have been nothing short of abysmal on their travels this season, struggling to impose ourselves for sustained periods, especially against low block sides and sides comfortable playing in transition. Come to think of it, we’ve struggled away from home against teams who dominate the ball too. In short, we’ve just been crap away from home.
Manchester United’s recent form has been similarly uneven. They have shown they can compete with strong opposition, but those performances are too often followed by flat or disjointed displays. At Old Trafford they remain difficult to beat, though far less imposing than in years gone by.
Team news
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s injury concerns are still concentrated in defence.
Dan Burn is ruled out after suffering fractured ribs and lung damage, while Sven Botman remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a long term back issue. Kieran Trippier is also sidelined, leaving Howe short of experience and continuity across the back line. Tino Livramento will now be out for the remainder of 2025, though his injury is not thought to be serious.
Nick Pope remains unavailable, meaning Aaron Ramsdale is expected to continue in goal. Howe has been clear that players will not be rushed back during the congested festive period, with fitness managed carefully on a game by game basis.
Further forward, Newcastle are in a healthier position. With Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton all fit and available, while Anthony Gordon is expected to feature after seemingly making a full recovery from his hip issues, and a return to the performances we know he’s capable of, as evidenced by his excellent first half against Chelsea last time out.
Yoane Wissa is now fully fit and available but don’t expect to see him from the off as it appears to be a Wilson/Isak situation all over again between Wissa/Woltemade. Big Nick’s double against Chelsea should be enough to keep him in the starting lineup.
Manchester United
Manchester United have been dealt a significant blow with Bruno Fernandes ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury. His absence removes both their primary creative outlet and their on pitch organiser.
Kobbie Mainoo also remains unavailable, further limiting United’s midfield options and placing added responsibility on more experienced figures in the centre of the pitch.
Manchester United have also been managing defensive fitness issues in recent weeks, with rotation likely at the back as Ruben Amorim balances availability with the demands of the festive schedule.
Predicted XI
What did Eddie say:
On Livramento’s return:
“We don’t, actually, [have any clarity on his return]. It’s a difficult one, because there’s quite a bit of information. We’re waiting to get full clarification, and we’re hoping it’s not serious, and he can resume training quite quickly, but before confirming that, we want to be sure we’re right.”
On Botman:
“Sven would be in the category of players who are doing well. And again, we hope to get him back pretty soon. When that day is, I’m not quite sure. He has not trained with the group yet. It is potentially good news and he is not too far away.”
On failing to hold onto leads:
“We are working continually on it. You can prepare for game management but the general trend of football coaching doesn’t change. It is defending set-plays, defending your box. We are disappointed with some of the details (of Chelsea goal from free-kick). The timing of goals is irrelevant.”
On Nick Pope:
“There’s a chance. He hasn’t trained yet and we hope he might train today. We will see how he does.”
On whether Newcastle United have contacted PGMOL following the decision not to award a penalty against Chelsea:
“Yes, we will be seeking clarification [from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in, not from me personally but from the club.”
On the January transfer window:
“I think it is going to be a consistently moving thing for us. I’ve had a brief discussion, I wouldn’t say detailed at the moment, because we don’t know how we are going to look injury-wise as we turn the year. We have a group of players that are going to be very close to coming back around that time, so that will obviously impact our business, so keeping very much an open mind at this stage.”
On Manchester United:
“I think statistically Man United are strong. They have seen a big improvement in general performance. Attacking wise they have some big threats. We look forward to the challenge.”
Key battles
Midfield control: With Fernandes and Mainoo missing, Manchester United’s ability to dictate tempo through midfield is reduced. This puts extra emphasis on Newcastle’s central players. If Guimarães and Tonali can control territory and second balls, Newcastle have a real chance to shape the game. Should Jacob Ramsey start, this would be a good opportunity for him to finally show why Newcastle United spent £45m on him in the summer.
Capturing intensity and maintaining it: The main issue for Newcastle United this season has been the baffling desertion of the intense, front footed pressing that has been the hallmark of Howe’s Newcastle United ever since his arrival. While the first half against Chelsea was a timely reminder not only of the team’s ability to play like that, but also of how dangerous they appear when they do. Can they capture that intensity and maintain it for longer than one half of football? Or will the lads retreat into the sluggish, low-energy displays that have characterised much of our away performances all season?
Turning pressure into chances: Newcastle United have created chances consistently this season, but converting control into clear cut opportunities remains the challenge. If the lads can be more clinical when on top, that could be decisive.
Predictions and what to expect.
This feels more like a tense Boxing Day contest than a free flowing classic. Manchester United will want to manage the atmosphere early, while Newcastle United are likely to be patient, compact and selective in when they press – as much as we’d love to see a return to the front footed intense pressing Howe’s side has been known for.
Manchester United’s injury problems open the door for Newcastle to take something from this game, but our own defensive absences make it difficult to see a straightforward outcome. Expect a tight first half, with the game opening up as legs tire and benches begin to matter.
Was the first half against Chelsea a signal of green shoots of recovery and a return to “intensity is our identity”, or does the second half drop off in intensity coupled with the defensive errors that have hall marked this season show that this side have not turned a corner and are unlikely to do so any time soon?
While only time will tell, my own thoughts are that this will be a tough watch, a sluggish game of few chances and little energy with both sides likely content with a point, which is the most likely outcome.
Predicted scoreline: Manchester United 1–1 Newcastle United
