Manchester United vs Newcastle – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Manchester United battle it out with Newcastle in the Premier League at Old Trafford tonight.

The Red Devils were out-fought again on Boxing Day as they succumbed to defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers. United captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended after he was sent off for the third time this season at Molineux. Manuel Ugarte is also unavailable due to disciplinary action after he picked up his fifth booking of the campaign.

Newcastle have emerged as European contenders after a recent spell of form that has seen them surge up the table. Sven Botman is edging closer to a return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury but first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope remains out. Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento’s availability is uncertain but Callum Wilson and Emil Krafth are definitely out.

Manchester United vs Newcastle – Match preview and team news

Form

Manchester United: WWLLL

It has been a troubling festive period for Manchester United who have been dealt three successive losses.

A dramatic quarter-final exit in the Carabao Cup to Spurs preceded damning losses to Bournemouth and Wolves.

The Red Devils looked toothless against the latter and were held back by Bruno Fernandes’ 47th-minute red card.

Their defensive woes reared their ugly head once again as Matheus Cunha scored direct from a corner and Hwang Hee-Chan struck the killer blow with seconds to spare.

The harsh reality is that Manchester United are in 14th position. However, a win will see them climb three places and end the calendar year on a high.

Newcastle: LWWWW

Newcastle are in a fine form at the moment and will look to make it five wins on the spin tonight.

After Jhon Duran’s controversial dismissal, the Magpies capitalised on their advantage to beat Aston Villa 3-0 three days ago.

They have put four past Ipswich and Leicester without reply in recent weeks and progressed into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Another victory would see Newcastle climb into fifth place with the teams around them struggling for consistency.

Last Meeting: Manchester United 3-2 Newcastle, Premier League, 15th May 2024

Manchester United overcame Newcastle in an enthralling encounter during last season’s run-in.

Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring on the half-hour mark in the penultimate fixture of the season, as the ball fortuitously fell at his feet. The midfielder stroked the ball into the corner with unerring composure, despite Newcastle claims for offside.

The visitors had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Rob Jones, with Sofyan Amrabat seemingly clipping Anthony Gordon’s heels. Newcastle’s Dan Burn was then denied on the line by Casemiro, who had sensed the danger to protect his goal and clear at the perfect time.

Newcastle came out for the second half with the same impetus and Anthony Gordon equalised following a searching cross from Jacob Murphy.

However, it didn’t take long for Manchester United to retake the lead with Amad Diallo registering his first Premier League goal as he smashed past Martin Dubravka. Second-half substitute Rasmus Hojlund gave Erik ten Hag’s outfit a two-goal cushion with a smart finish as the game approached its conclusion.

Lewis Hall superbly netted in the dying embers to create a nervy finish but the hosts held strong to claim all three points.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dalot; Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund.

Newcastle: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Who is the referee?

Simon Hooper will be the match official. He will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long while Andy Madley will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Con Hatzidakis.

What channel is Manchester United vs Newcastle on?

Manchester United vs Newcastle will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW TV UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Old Trafford will be at 20:00 GMT on Monday 30th December 2024.

Odds

Manchester United – 17/10

Draw – 12/5

Newcastle – 31/20

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