Match Overview

Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash with points and momentum on the line. United aim to respond on home turf after a setback in their last outing and to avenge a heavy defeat suffered at Newcastle earlier in the year. The visitors bring purposeful attacking intent but have struggled to turn performances into consistent wins. With both sides leaning into high-tempo phases, small margins in midfield control and transition defense could decide it.

• Fixture: Manchester United vs Newcastle United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Old Trafford
• Date: 26-12-2025
• Kickoff: 20:00 GMT / 20:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United

• S. Lammens
• L. Shaw
• L. Yoro
• Diogo Dalot
• P. Dorgu
• M. Mount
• Casemiro
• M. Ugarte
• K. Mainoo
• Matheus Cunha
• B. Mbeumo

Newcastle United

• A. Ramsdale
• M. Thiaw
• F. Schär
• L. Hall
• J. Lascelles
• Bruno Guimarães
• S. Tonali
• J. Murphy
• L. Miley
• N. Woltemade
• A. Gordon

Injury & Suspension Report

Manchester United

• Bruno Fernandes – Injury
• K. Mainoo – Calf Injury
• H. Maguire – Hamstring Injury
• A. Diallo – International duty
• B. Mbeumo – International duty
• N. Mazraoui – International duty
• M. de Ligt – Back Injury
• Bruno Fernandes – Thigh Injury

Newcastle United

• N. Pope – Muscle Injury
• D. Burn – Chest Injury
• K. Trippier – Hamstring Injury
• E. Krafth – Knee Injury
• V. Livramento – Knee Injury
• S. Botman – Lower Back Injury
• W. Osula – Ankle Injury
• J. Lascelles – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

These clubs share a long-standing rivalry that often produces open, competitive contests. Recent meetings have featured chances for both teams, with momentum swings common across ninety minutes.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Manchester United’s recent run shows a sharper cutting edge in attack, with 12 goals over their last five matches. Against similarly ranked sides they have been efficient and balanced, posting a perfect record in those fixtures while averaging strong output and conceding very little. The expected approach is front-footed: quick combinations, assertive pressing, and controlled spells of possession to pin Newcastle back at Old Trafford.

Personnel-wise, the hosts have leaned on Matheus Cunha’s movement and end product, while B. Mbeumo’s finishing has been a notable feature of their improved conversion this campaign. United will still need stability in midfield, where Casemiro, M. Ugarte, and M. Mount are key to screening transitions and sustaining pressure between the lines.

In a classic showdown at Old Trafford, Manchester United and Newcastle clash with relentless Northern grit and strategic flair.

Newcastle arrive with attacking intent, having scored eight in their last five, yet wins have been limited. N. Woltemade’s brace in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea underlined his penalty-box presence, while their meetings with similarly placed opponents have tended to be high-event, with goals at both ends. The midfield of Bruno Guimarães and S. Tonali will be central to their plan: disrupt United’s rhythm, progress the ball quickly, and find A. Gordon and J. Murphy in space.

The decisive battle could be transition control. If United’s press forces turnovers high, they can create volume chances; if Newcastle bypass that pressure, their direct runners and late arrivals from midfield can trouble the hosts. With injuries affecting both squads, set-piece organization and bench impact may also matter. Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United.