Manchester United-Newcastle preview
Manchester United will go fifth in the Premier League if they beat Newcastle at home on Friday, but manager Ruben Amorim makes no secret of the impact of losing Bruno Fernandes after the captain was substituted at half-time in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last Sunday.
United’s playmaker has a muscle injury and Amorim explained how the Portuguese international’s influence extends beyond creativity.
“In every set piece, he is the one who organizes the team,” Amorim said. “He understands every position on the field, pays attention to every detail.
“When you have a substitution, he is always the one who tells the others where they should be.
“I’m sure we can win any game. We have some problems but, even without many players, I believe in the team and I trust my players. If we are really focused, we can win.”
Newcastle have won one of their last four league games but are guaranteed eighth place with victory and will leapfrog their opponents into seventh place if they win by more than one goal.
“Winning consistently and putting together winning streaks has eluded us this season,” said coach Eddie Howe, adding that he was “really happy” with the “majority” of his team’s 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea last Saturday.
“Statistically, [United] They are much stronger than last year. They have seen a huge improvement in their overall performance.
“That reflects what you see with your eyes. They have been competitive. Attack-wise, they have some good threats.
“This will be a good and difficult game for us. It is a good opportunity, at Christmas, to feel the magnitude of these games. The atmosphere will be special.”
Manchester United-Newcastle team news
Casemiro is available after a suspension in United’s midfield, where academy prospect Jack Fletcher made his senior debut against Villa, with Kobbie Mainoo injured and centre-back Lisandro Martínez replacing Bruno.
Centre-backs Harry Maguire (thigh) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) are out due to short-term injuries. Midfielder Amad Diallo is with Ivory Coast at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, where winger Noussair Mazraoui represents Morocco and striker Bryan Mbeumo plays for Cameroon.
First-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope could return from a groin injury for Newcastle, but defenders Dan Burn (ribs/pierced lung), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (back) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) remain injured.
Striker William Osula has an ankle problem and full-back Tino Livramento could be close to returning to training after a knee problem.
“We’re waiting to get a full clarification and we hope it’s not serious and he can resume full training fairly quickly,” Howe said of Livramento. “Hopefully it’s good news. There’s a chance.”
Man United-Newcastle predicted lineups
Manchester United starting eleven: Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha
Newcastle starting XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon
How to watch Man United v Newcastle: TV channel, live stream online
Kick-off on Friday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Through now televisionSky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day membership, £28 per month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 per month without a contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live broadcasts and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a wide variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
