Man United vs Newcastle live: Hosts hanging on in Premier League’s Boxing Day battle after Dorgu’s stunning volley | OneFootball

Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring their first goal (AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United and Newcastle will be hoping for a Christmas boost as they battle on Boxing Day.

It is a lighter portion of top-flight festive football than usual, with a full slate of weekend action leaving this as the sole Premier League fixture on Friday. It is nevertheless an intriguing encounter between two sides experiencing not dissimilar seasons plagued by inconsistency.

Hosts Manchester United begin the evening three points ahead of their visitors and eyeing a spot in the top five with victory. They were beaten at Aston Villa last Sunday, though, and will be tested by the absence of Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder suffered a soft-tissue issue in that game. Can Newcastle take advantage? Eddie Howe’s side have endured a frustrating run and need three points to keep in touch with the pack in the chase for European places.