Manchester United v Newcastle United Match Preview
The only Boxing Day clash in the Premier League sees Manchester United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford.
While the rest of the Premier League pauses, the festive spotlight falls solely on Old Trafford this Boxing Day for a high-stakes clash between two injury-hit giants. Manchester United, reeling from a pivotal loss and the absence of their captain (Bruno Fernandes), hosts a Newcastle United side desperate to improve their dismal away form.
A Host in Crisis
The mood around Manchester United has soured significantly since their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. The loss was compounded by a major blow: inspirational captain Bruno Fernandes is ruled out with injury, joining the sidelined Kobbie Mainoo. To make matters worse, the club’s attacking options are stretched thin with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain unavailable. The sole positive for manager Ruben Amorim is the return of Casemiro from suspension.
Newcastle’s Agony and Opportunity
The Magpies arrive still fuming from a controversial 2-2 draw with Chelsea, where they surrendered a two-goal lead and were denied a late penalty shout for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Their defensive crisis also shows no sign of abating. Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, and Sven Botman are all absent, forcing young Lewis Miley into another makeshift role at full-back. With just two away wins all season, history offers hope: Newcastle triumphed 2-0 at Old Trafford in this fixture last campaign.
What Time Does Man Utd vs. Newcastle Kick-Off?
- Match: Manchester United vs. Newcastle United
- Date: Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day)
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
Man Utd vs. Newcastle Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Man Utd: 1 win
Newcastle: 4 wins
Draws: 0
Last meeting: Newcastle 4–1 Man Utd (April 13, 2025)—Premier League
Current Form (All Competitions)
| Man Utd | Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Aston Villa 2–1 Man Utd – 21/12/25 | Newcastle 2–2 Chelsea – 20/12/25 |
| Man Utd 4–4 Bournemouth – 15/12/25 | Newcastle 2–1 Fulham – 17/12/25 |
| Wolves 1–4 Man Utd – 08/12/25 | Sunderland 1–0 Newcastle – 14/12/25 |
| Man Utd 1–1 West Ham – 04/12/25 | Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle – 10/12/25 |
| Crystal Palace 1–2 Man Utd – 30/11/25 | Newcastle 2–1 Burnley – 06/12/25 |
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko.
Newcastle United: Ramsdale; Miley, Schär, Thiaw, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
How to Watch Man Utd vs. Newcastle on TV
MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world
