Premier League Boxing Day: Manchester United vs Newcastle
Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford for the Premier League’s only Boxing Day fixture. United remain outside the top six after a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, extending their run to just two wins in eight matches (D4, L2).
Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, drew 2-2 with Chelsea after squandering a two-goal lead. The Magpies have won only one of their last four matches in all competitions (D2, L1) and sit in the bottom half of the table.
Current Form and Home/Away Records
Manchester United are winless in their last three home games (D2, L1), with only six teams collecting fewer home points this season. Newcastle’s away form remains poor, with five losses in their last seven competitive away matches (W1, D1).
The Magpies have managed just one win in 11 Premier League away trips (D4, L6), failing to score in five of those games, which has hampered their European qualification hopes.
Head-to-Head and Key Statistics
Since losing the Carabao Cup final in March 2023, Newcastle have won five of the last six meetings with Manchester United (L1), four of them without conceding. This matches their win tally from the previous 42 encounters (D9, L28).
Nine of United’s 12 home goals conceded this season have come after half-time. United have failed to score in three of the last five home meetings with Newcastle, while Newcastle have conceded more goals beyond the 76th minute (10) than any other Premier League side.
Team News and Key Players
Manchester United are without captain Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, while Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are doubtful. Newcastle’s defensive absentees include Tino Livramento and Dan Burn.
Matheus Cunha has scored in consecutive appearances for United, with three of his last four goals coming before half-time. Nick Woltemade scored twice against Chelsea, ending a five-game drought and netting his fourth match opener of the season.
Betting and Match Outlook
With Manchester United missing several key players, Newcastle’s recent dominance in head-to-head clashes makes them an attractive bet to win at Old Trafford.