Man Utd Host Newcastle on Boxing Day at Old Trafford
Manchester United will host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26 in the Premier League's sole fixture of Boxing Day, with both teams aiming to halt recent winless runs amid injury challenges and shifting league fortunes.
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time, drawing significant attention as the only top-flight game scheduled during the holiday period. Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, sit three points above Newcastle in the standings and remain in contention for Champions League qualification despite a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. That loss extended their winless streak to two league games and marked their third straight home match without a victory. Newcastle, in 11th place, also drew 2-2 with Chelsea after leading 2-0 at halftime, squandering another lead in a season where they have dropped 13 points from winning positions. A victory could propel the visitors level on points with their hosts and into the top half of the table.
Injuries will test both sides' depth. Manchester United face a midfield crisis, with captain Bruno Fernandes sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained against Villa and Kobbie Mainoo out with a calf problem....