Though the usual festive schedule has been rolled back, fans will still be able to catch Manchester United in action at home against Newcastle United in the Premier League‘s only Boxing Day fixture.
A recent period of disappointing form sees the Red Devils come into Friday's clash at Old Trafford in seventh place with 22 points, though their opponents have also struggled this campaign, with the Magpies 11th with 23 points.
Contents
- 1 Manchester United vs Newcastle United prediction: Positive omens for the hosts?
- 2 Pre-game odds and win probability: Manchester United predicted to win by the bookmakers
- 3 Most recent H2Hs: Newcastle United dominate in recent encounters
- 4 Manchester United preview: Too many dropped points
- 5 Newcastle United preview: Plagued by inconsistency
- 6 Player to watch: Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United vs Newcastle United prediction: Positive omens for the hosts?
Key stats
- Manchester United have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 11 fixtures in all competitions.
- Newcastle United have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past 10 games.
- Man United have won more games on December 26 (22) than any other team in the league, while Newcastle have lost the joint most (16).
Correct score prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Newcastle United
Manchester United's record on Boxing Day is excellent, and backed by a fervent home crowd, they will be expected to come out on top.
However, their mixed record of late is concerning, and perhaps fans should expect an entertaining yet frustrating draw with Newcastle United.
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Pre-game odds and win probability: Manchester United predicted to win by the bookmakers
- HOME: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.5) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 13/8 (2.63) – 38.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Manchester United are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 40.8%, but the bookmakers would not be surprised if the visitors managed to come away with three points considering they have given them a 38.1% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Newcastle United dominate in recent encounters
Newcastle have emerged as victors in five of the clubs' last six encounters, with the Magpies only suffering one defeat in that time.
Eddie Howe's side also managed to get the better of Man United in both Premier League clashes in 2024-25, winning 4-1 at home in April, and winning 2-0 at Old Trafford in December 2024.
England Premier League 13/04/25
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England Premier League 30/12/24
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England Premier League 15/05/24
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England Premier League 20/04/24
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England Premier League 02/12/23
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Manchester United preview: Too many dropped points
Ruben Amorim's side are only three points from fourth-placed Chelsea, but they have lost two, drawn four and won just two of their last eight Premier League games, with the team dropping points four times against opponents in the bottom half of the table in that period.
With Bruno Fernandes sidelined, expect Casemiro to be joined in midfield by Manuel Ugarte, while Matheus Cunha will be expected to lead his side's attack.
Predicted lineup: Lammens (GK), Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Mount, Cunha & Sesko
Last five results:
- Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
- Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
- Wolverhampton Wanderers 1- 4 Manchester United
- Manchester United 1-1 West Ham United
- Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United
Newcastle United preview: Plagued by inconsistency
The Toon were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Chelsea last weekend, squandering a 2-0 lead, and that was the third time in four Premier League matches that they failed to win.
With right-backs Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento sidelined due to injuries, midfielder Lewis Miley could be asked to fill in on the right side of a back four.
Predicted lineup: Pope (GK), Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Woltemade & Gordon
Last five results:
- Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea
- Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham
- Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle United
- Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Newcastle United
- Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley
Player to watch: Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has only started three Premier League games this season, but his performances as a starter and as a substitute have been poor.
United concede 2.08 goals more than they score per 90 when the Uruguayan is on the pitch, and they will need him to be at his best in place of Bruno Fernandes if they are to beat Newcastle.