Manchester United vs Newcastle: Match preview, what to expect, key players

Manchester United will be seeking to return to winning ways when they host Newcastle United at Old Trafford tonight.

United have not tasted victory since beating Manchester City in the Manchester derby.

Manager Ruben Amorim is under pressure to arrest the slump and ensure the Red Devils do not suffer three consecutive league defeats at home for the first time since the 1978/79 season.

By contrast, Newcastle are one of the most in-form teams in the league. They have won their last three fixtures and are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions.

The Magpies have climbed to seventh place in the standings thanks to their form. They are six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea and seven ahead of United heading into this fixture.

Match Preview

Man United are not in great form but have history on their side heading into this game.

They have lost just once in 39 league matches at home against Newcastle. David Moyes was the manager the last time they lost to them on their patch.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is also yet to taste victory at Old Trafford, failing to win in any of his seven visits. He has drawn twice and lost five times.

The Red Devils will be hoping Newcastle’s poor record on their patch continues as they aim to end the year on a high note.

Amorim will not have the full complement of his squad for the fixture. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are suspended. Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw remain sidelined due to injuries.

Howe must also contend with injuries to several key players. Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson are unavailable.

Tino Livramento could return after illness, while Sven Botman may make the squad for the first time this season.

What to expect

This promises to be an intriguing clash, as United aim to bounce back while Newcastle seek to capitalise on the home side’s poor form.

Notably, only one of the last 10 league meetings between these teams has ended in a goalless draw, suggesting an open and exciting game.

Amorim is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, although he will need to adjust his line-up to compensate for the absences of Fernandes and Casemiro.

Howe typically deploys a 4-3-3 set-up and is unlikely to deviate, especially considering Newcastle’s recent success with this system.

Livramento has been preferred over the more experienced Kieran Trippier at right-back this season, and he could come back into the side after missing the last game.

Key Players

Man United

Amad Diallo: While the Ivorian winger has not registered a goal involvement in the last two league games, he remains a bright spark for the Red Devils. Diallo’s creativity and flair could be key to unlocking Newcastle’s defence.

Noussair Mazraoui: The Moroccan defender has not been at his best lately but remains one of United’s most reliable defenders. He was able to keep Jeremy Doku quiet in the Manchester derby. He could be tasked with doing the same to in-form Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle

Alexander Isak: The Swedish striker is in sensational form, scoring in each of his last five league games. Only two players have scored more than him in 2024, making him the Magpies’ primary threat.

Anthony Gordon: The winger has been one of Newcastle’s standout players this season. His pace and trickery on the ball could cause problems for United’s defence, particularly in wide areas and in transition.

Stats from sofascore.com.

Article written by Henry Thornton .