Manchester United and Newcastle United are set for a crucial Boxing Day battle at Old Trafford, with the hosts forced to cope without their influential captain, Bruno Fernandes. The sole Premier League fixture on Friday 26 December 2025 pits two inconsistent sides against each other in a match with significant implications for the European qualification race.
Fernandes Absence a Major Blow for United
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the Portuguese midfielder is missing due to a soft-tissue injury sustained in last Sunday's defeat at Aston Villa. Amorim described his skipper as "impossible to replace," urging his squad to step up in leadership and creativity. The statistics underline the challenge: since the 2022-23 season began, United have failed to win any of the seven Premier League matches Fernandes has not started, losing six and scoring only four goals in those games.
In response, Amorim has made two changes to his starting line-up. Casemiro returns from suspension to fill the midfield void, while defender Lisandro Martinez makes his first start of the season after a long-term injury, replacing Leny Yoro and taking the captain's armband. The 18-year-old Fletcher brothers, Jack and Tyler, sons of club legend Darren, are both named on the bench.
What's at Stake at Old Trafford?
The encounter offers a chance for both teams to inject consistency into their campaigns. A victory would see Manchester United draw level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea and Liverpool, solidifying their top-five ambitions. Newcastle, currently three points behind their hosts, could pull level with a win. A victory by three or more goals would even see Eddie Howe's men leapfrog United into seventh place, keeping them firmly in the conversation for European football next season.
Newcastle arrive at Old Trafford unchanged from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea, with Lewis Miley continuing at right-back. The bench looks stronger for the Magpies, however, with the welcome returns of Joelinton and goalkeeper Nick Pope from injury, alongside attacking options like Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock.
Contrasting Festive Fortunes
The Boxing Day fixture highlights a stark historical contrast between the two clubs. Manchester United boast the most wins (22) on 26 December in Premier League history, whereas Newcastle hold the unwanted record for the most defeats (16). The Magpies, however, will be aiming to beat United for a third consecutive game for the first time since 1922.
With United possessing a strong first-half record but a tendency to fade, and Newcastle notorious for dropping points from winning positions, the stage is set for a tense and unpredictable festive showdown at the Theatre of Dreams.
