Overview
- The Premier League’s only Boxing Day fixture kicks off at 8pm GMT at Old Trafford, offering United a chance to strengthen their position in the race for European places.
- Bruno Fernandes is ruled out with a hamstring problem sustained at Villa Park, and Casemiro returns after a one‑match suspension.
- United’s squad remains thin with Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo injured, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Pundits suggest Lisandro Martínez could be deployed in a holding midfield role to cover shortages in the engine room.
- Newcastle have multiple absentees of their own, with a potential late boost if goalkeeper Nick Pope is passed fit to return.