Manchester United – Newcastle: Old Trafford on edge this Boxing Day 
All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Friday night. It’s Boxing Day and United host Newcastle, desperate to kickstart a push for Europe as pressure around the Red Devils keeps ratcheting up.
Manchester United: lingering doubts 
A few weeks ago it looked like Manchester United were finally finding some balance. A short run of wins suggested Ruben Amorim was starting to stamp his style. Reality came crashing back.
Last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa reopened questions. Little consistency, a defence that leaks and an inability to close games. The numbers don’t lie: no clean sheet in their last ten outings across all competitions.
Despite a couple of notable wins, including at Selhurst Park, the return is thin. Just two victories in the last eight league games, and a team that feels like it could fall apart at any moment — even at home.
Newcastle: dangerous despite the flaws 
Newcastle aren’t exactly bulletproof either. Capable of the best and the worst, the Magpies swing between solid displays and blank spells. The draw with Chelsea, after leading, sums up that inconsistency.
Away form is a real worry. Few wins away from St. James’ Park and a noticeable mental fragility on the road. Still, one detail could flip the script: their recent record against Manchester United.
Eddie Howe’s men have notched several eye-catching wins over the Red Devils, including a tidy victory at Old Trafford last season. A ground that once did them no favours — now they look comfortable there.
Absences that hurt
Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes, injured in the last match. Big blow — he’s the heartbeat of their play. Also out: Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo. Harry Maguire remains doubtful, still hampered by a muscle issue.
Newcastle’s problems are stacking up too. Trippier, Botman and Nick Pope are missing, which weakens the backline most of all. On the plus side, Yoane Wissa has earned points recently, while Nick Woltemade is increasingly proving to be a credible attacking threat.
Key factors
- Newcastle have won five of the last six meetings with Manchester United.
- The Magpies still struggle badly away from home.
- Manchester United haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last ten matches.
- Newcastle have scored at least twice in each of their last three visits to Old Trafford.
Football Prediction Manchester United vs Newcastle
Both teams to score
Despite their problems away from home, the Magpies look to have found a way against Manchester United. United’s defensive frailty and the recent history at Old Trafford point to an open game — Newcastle could make their attacking threat count again.
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