Man United Starting XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United Predicted XI vs Newcastle United

Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Boxing Day with Newcastle United providing stern opposition, as Ruben Amorim continues his second season in charge with selection problems mounting. Injuries, suspensions served and a potential tactical tweak all shape the Predicted Lineup, making this an intriguing test of United’s depth and adaptability.

Injury Update and Squad Availability

The biggest concern surrounds Bruno Fernandes, forced off before Christmas and now facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines. Amorim has already confirmed the scale of the issue, offering little room for optimism.

“No, not for this game,” said Amorim when asked in his pre-match press conference if Fernandes and Mainoo would be available.

“They are recovering. I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno.”

Fernandes’ absence could stretch to several matches, although the United head coach remained deliberately vague when pressed further.

“I don’t want to say. I have an idea of course, but let’s see.”

Kobbie Mainoo also misses out with a calf injury, while Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain unavailable at the back. The return of Casemiro from suspension, however, offers some balance ahead of the Newcastle United clash.

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Tactical Considerations Under Amorim

Amorim’s default 3-4-3 has come under quiet scrutiny, particularly after Lisandro Martinez stepped into midfield at Villa Park when Fernandes departed. That positional flexibility gives United options, though Martinez has not started since February and may yet be eased back in.

If Martinez is deemed short of fitness, Manuel Ugarte is expected to partner Casemiro, maintaining a physical core against Newcastle’s energetic midfield. Sticking with three central defenders looks the safer route given current injuries, with Luke Shaw, Lenny Yoro and Ayden Heaven likely to continue.

Out wide, Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot are set to operate as wing backs, especially with Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Predicted Lineup for Newcastle Clash

Up front, Amorim appears settled. Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are expected to retain their places, offering movement, pressing and direct goal threat.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko

Injured: Fernandes, Mainoo, Maguire, De LigtUnavailable: Amad, Mbeumo, Mazraoui

Match Details and Viewing Information

The Boxing Day meeting with Newcastle United kicks off at 8pm GMT on Friday December 26, 2025. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports, with Old Trafford once again hosting a fixture that could carry momentum into the new year.

With key absences testing Amorim’s planning and Newcastle arriving with confidence, this Predicted Lineup reflects both necessity and calculated risk.