Boxing Day nightmare: Amorim could be missing seven key Man Utd players vs Newcastle

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has big selection calls to make for the upcoming Boxing Day encounter with Newcastle United.

The Red Devils could be without seven of their star players.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are currently in Morocco to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kobbie Mainoo missed the trip to Villa Park due to a calf injury.

Bruno Fernandes suffered a hamstring setback during the first half against Aston Villa.

Manager Ruben Amorim has already confirmed that Fernandes and Mainoo will not be available for the Newcastle clash.

Matthijs de Ligt played every minute of the 2025-26 Premier League season before suffering a back injury early this month.

He has missed the last four games, forcing Amorim to field a young back line.

Harry Maguire last featured in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur where he endured a thigh setback.

Amorim is expected to provide an update on the availability of De Ligt and Maguire in his pre-match press conference.

The United head coach fielded four academy stars on the bench against Villa.

Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey were handed their debuts in the second half.

The duo could be given more minutes from the bench when the Magpies make their trip to Manchester on Friday.

Lisandro Martinez is pushing for his first start of the campaign after playing in midfield for 45 minutes last Sunday.

Amorim has to find in-house solutions to his problems as United have already dropped to seventh in the league table.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .