Squads, stats, Premier League news

Man Utd vs Newcastle Preview

Manchester United will be fifth in Premier League if they beat Newcastle at home on Friday – but manager Ruben Amorim has made no secret of the effect of losing Bruno Fernandes after the captain was substituted at half-time in their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa last Sunday.

The United playmaker has a muscle injury and Amorim explained how the Portugal international’s influence extends beyond creativity.

« Every meet, he’s the guy who gets the team going, » Amorim said. « He understands every position on the field, pays attention to every detail.

“When you have a deputy, he’s always the guy who tells the others where they should be.

« I am confident that we can win every game. We have some problems, but even without many players, I believe in the team and I trust my players. If we are really focused, we can win. »

Newcastle have won one of their last four league games but are guaranteed eighth place with a win and will move above their opponents to seventh if they win by more than one goal.

« Continuous wins and combining wins has eluded us this season, » manager Eddie Howe said, adding that he was « really happy » with « the majority » of his side’s 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea last Saturday.

« Statistically speaking, (United) are much stronger than last year. They have seen a big improvement in their overall performance.

« It reflects what you see with your eyes. They were competitive. Offensively, they have some good threats.

« It will be a good, tough game for us. It’s a good chance, at Christmas, to feel the magnitude of these games. The atmosphere will be special. »

Manchester United vs Newcastle team news

Casemiro is available after suspension in United’s midfield, where academy prospect Jack Fletcher made his debut against Villa, with Kobi Mainoo out injured and centre-back Lisandro Martinez deputizing for Bruno.

Center backs Harry Maguire (thigh) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) are out with short-term injuries. Midfielder Amad Diallo is with Ivory Coast on African Cup of Nations 2025where wideman Nusair Mazraoui represents Morocco and striker Brian Mbeumou plays for Cameroon.

First-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope could return from a groin injury for Newcastle, but defenders Dan Byrne (ribs/punctured lung), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Bothman (back) and Jamal Lascelles (knee) remain sidelined.

Striker William Osula has an ankle problem and full-back Tino Livramento could be close to returning to training after a knee problem.

« We’re waiting to get the all-clear and hopefully it’s not serious and he can resume his full training pretty quickly, » Howe said of Livramento. « Hopefully, that’s good news. There’s a chance. »

Man United vs Newcastle predicted lineups

Manchester United starting XI: Snake Lamens, Lenny Yoro, Aidan Haven, Luke Shaw.

Newcastle starting XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schar, Malik Thiau, Emile Kraft, Louis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Louis Miley, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Nick Voltemade, Anthony Gordon

How to watch Man United vs Newcastle: TV channel, live stream online

Kick-off on Friday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live UK coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.

Through Now TVSky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day membership, £28 per month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 per month without a contract.

Sky Sports membership includes access to all 12 live channels on Sky Sports and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.

Streaming is available on a wide variety of devices via the Sky GO app.