Eddie Howe's team news update: Positive Livramento claim, Botman latest | OneFootball

Livramento missed Saturday's 2-2 draw against Chelsea after sustaining a knee injury during last week's 2-1 win against Fulham in the Carabao Cup but Howe is hopeful the right-back's tough setback is not as serious as initially feared.

Ahead of the Magpies' clash at Old Trafford, targeting a sixth victory in their last seven meetings against the Red Devils, Howe also provided encouraging updates on the likes of defender Sven Botman and Nick Pope as he prepares to take charge of his 200th game as United head coach since his managerial appointment in November 2021.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points from Tuesday morning's pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre...

On Tino Livramento...

"It's a difficult one because there's quite a bit of information on Tino. We're waiting to get full clarification but, hopefully, it's not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly.

"Before confirming that, we want to be sure it's right. We haven't got clarity on that but hopefully it's good news."

On Sven Botman...

"Sven will be in the category of the group of players that are doing well. We hope to get him back pretty soon. When that day is, I'm not 100% sure.

"He hasn't trained with the group yet but potentially good news. We don't think he's too far away."

On Nick Pope's availability to be in the matchday squad to face the Red Devils...

"There's a chance. He hasn't trained yet but we hope he might train today so let's see how he does."

On their longest break between games, excluding international breaks, since August...

"It's a strange feeling for us because we're in that rhythm of playing and, very quickly, turning that around to prepare for another game almost straight away.

"It's been nice to have a couple of days without that intense feeling that you always have when you're playing, giving the players a chance to come down from what is always a high from playing and the adrenaline that comes with a match.

"It's been a good time but also an important time that we don't lose our rhythm and that we feel regenerated. Since the last international break, bar one performance, I think it's been really positive.

"Hopefully, they (the squad) get some time with their families but we will be in training on Christmas Day."

On Manchester United, who currently sit three points above the Magpies in seventh place...

"Statistically, they're a lot stronger than last year. They've seen big improvements in their general performances. They've been competitive and, attacking wise, they have some big threats.

"I think it'll be a really good game, a tough game, for us and a good opportunity at Christmas to enjoy the magnitude of these games. The atmosphere will be special but haven't played them previously, I think we expect a slightly different Man United."

On Jacob Ramsey...

"That was his best game for us, against Chelsea. Athletically, very good and some of the numbers he produced in that game were elite in terms of the benchmark for midfielders so I think that's a great sign.

"The challenge for JJ has been, since his injury at Leeds where he twisted his ankle, he had momentum then and had to start all over again. I think he's just returning to his very best levels.

"I think the next step for him is to start impacting in the final third with goals and assists."