Manchester United vs Newcastle United is set to be the only Boxing Day clash to take place in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, as it will kick off Matchday 18 of the festive period in England’s top division when the two heavyweights face off at Old Trafford on Friday, December 26.
The Manchester United vs Newcastle United clash should be a highly entertaining encounter because of how desperate both sets of players are to guide their side to a win and spread some festive cheers to their fans. Manchester United are now winless in their last two matches and slipping further away from the Premier League top four and with Newcastle United realising the Red Devils’ vulnerability at home, this should be a thrilling match-up.
Match Details
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Friday, December 26
20:00 BST
Shaky Manchester United Determined To End Old Trafford Drought Against Newcastle United
Manchester United vs Newcastle United should be a pretty fast-paced and entertaining battle between two sides who are both capable of playing thrilling attacking football because of the quality of players at their disposal, but also seem to struggle when it comes to keeping the other team quiet.
Manchester United are still reeling from their disappointing recent loss to Aston Villa and have just one win from their last four matches, causing alarm bells to ring up on their form again. They face a Newcastle United side that has also won just one of their last four Premier League games and have shown signs of weariness, as the desperate Magpies look to end their shaky two-match winless run.
Newcastle United also hold a major advantage in recent match-ups against Manchester United, having won four of their last five meetings over the Red Devils and they aim to extend that run in this upcoming Boxing Day clash.
Can Struggling Benjamin Sesko Regain His Spark Against Newcastle United?
Benjamin Sesko has struggled to pick up his form for Manchester United since coming back from injury and he doesn’t have a single goal contribution in his last four Premier League games now. The Slovenian forward has scored two goals in 13 Premier League matches since his high-profile move from RB Leipzig and seems to be struggling under the intensity of the English football scene.
With Manchester United missing Bryan Mbeumo (AFCON commitments) and Bruno Fernandes also out with an injury he picked up against Aston Villa, the onus will be on Sesko to start firing. He will need to be smart in not only getting to the empty positions, but be much smarter with his finishing and ability to put away chances to reinvigorate his form and guide Manchester United to a win over Newcastle United.
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Wily Anthony Gordon Determined to Torment Manchester United at Old Trafford
Anthony Gordon hasn’t really had the most efficient season so far for Newcastle United, but he has picked up form in recent weeks with three goal contributions (two goals, one assist) in his last four Premier League games. He will be determined to continue that good form with a fabulous display against Manchester United to silence them at their own yard.
Gordon will be determined to use his clever movement down the wide areas and trickery to glance past the shaken Red Devils defenders and get the ball into the danger areas. He will look to play dangerous passes into the box for Nick Woltemade & co, but also aims to get into more danger areas and finish off chances clinically to help his side come away from Old Trafford with all three points.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Injuries
Manchester United injuries: Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo
Newcastle United injuries: Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Jamal Lascelles, William Osula, Nick Pope (doubt)
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Predicted Lineups
Knowing the importance of the Manchester United vs Newcastle United clash, here we look at the Manchester United vs Newcastle United predicted lineups:
Manchester United predicted XI: Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle United predicted XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 20.12.2025
