Overview
This is the first time in Premier League history that there has been only one match on Boxing Day. Notably, this clash is between the team that won the most matches on Boxing Day (Manchester United - 22 wins) and the team that lost the most (New Newcastle - 16 losses).
Man United entered this match after a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa, where they were overwhelmed by Morgan Rogers' excellent performance. That defeat became even more serious when Bruno Fernandes was forced off with a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, Newcastle welcomed Christmas in the bottom half of the rankings. They just had a 2-2 draw with Chelsea, although they led 2-0 thanks to a double in the first half by Nick Woltemade, but could not maintain the advantage.
The current Premier League rankings are extremely tight. A victory not only helps Newcastle rise to the top half but can even overtake Man United to take seventh place.
Despite only winning one of their last four Premier League games, Newcastle still have a chance in the English League Cup semi-finals and are in a good position in the Champions League. Their season has not been really smooth, but there is still much basis for optimism.
For the "Red Devils", the defeat against Villa was somewhat force majeure. Both of Rogers' goals were at a high level. Although Leny Yoro could have done better in defence, Ruben Amorim's side could have at least reassured themselves that they lost to the brilliance of an individual.
That was only United's second defeat in their last 11 games since late September. Although they are not good enough to compete for the championship, they have every right to aim for a place in the European Cup, and the festive period will play a key role.
After Newcastle, Man United will meet Wolves, Leeds and Burnley in turn. On paper, this is an easier run, and a positive result on Boxing Day could create an important psychological momentum.
However, the key to all hope still lies in Bruno Fernandes' fitness. The Portuguese midfielder has been involved in many shots since the opening situation of the Premier League this season.
Statistics show that Man United have not won any of their last 7 Premier League matches when Fernandes has not started. They have lost 6 matches and scored only 4 goals - an alarming number.
Man United's difficulties have piled up with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo absent due to AFCON. In that context, a rare bright spot is Matheus Cunha, who has just scored against Villa and is gradually regaining his confidence.
Cunha has scored in 2 consecutive Premier League matches, averaging 4.1 shots per 90 minutes, the most in the league for players with a minimum of 400 minutes.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have won all two of their most recent visits during the holiday season, including a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford at the end of last year.
Despite often losing the lead, Newcastle still possesses attacking elements capable of creating breakthroughs, enough to make the only Boxing Day match of the Premier League this season worth waiting for.
Head-to-head record
Man United have won all three of their Premier League games on Boxing Day against Newcastle, with each win coming under a different manager. They won 4-3 in 2012 ( Sir Alex Ferguson), 3-1 in 2014 ( Louis van Gaal) and 4-1 in 2019 (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer).
However, the situation has recently reversed. Newcastle beat Man United in both Premier League games last season, including a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
However, history is not yet completely on the visitors' side. Newcastle have not won back-to-back at Old Trafford since March 1935, while their last time they won three in a row against the Red Devils was more than a century ago in January 1922.
Score prediction: Man United 2-1 Newcastle
The match between Man United and Newcastle takes place at 3:00 am on December 27 (Vietnam time).
