Boxing Day 2025 features just one Premier League fixture, and it promises to be explosive. Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Friday evening (8:00pm GMT), with the Red Devils in crisis mode while the Magpies look to continue their impressive recent record against their rivals.
Match Information
Date & Time: Friday, December 26, 2025 – 8:00pm GMT
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (capacity: 74,310)
TV (UK): Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
Streaming: Sky Go, Sky Sports app, Now TV (Sports membership)
The Context: United Struggling, Newcastle Hunting
The Red Devils currently sit 7th in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Newcastle are 11th, six points off the top four. But recent form tells a very different story.
Manchester United are enduring a difficult spell under Ruben Amorim. After a brief resurgence with three consecutive wins in October, the Red Devils have won just two of their last eight matches. More worryingly, Old Trafford has become a problem: a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton, a 1-1 draw with West Ham, and that dramatic 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth.
In contrast, Newcastle boast a remarkable recent record against United. The Magpies have won five of their last seven meetings with the Red Devils and have triumphed in two of their last three visits to Old Trafford, including a 2-0 win last December. They've also scored at least twice in each of their last three trips to the Theatre of Dreams.
United's Injury Crisis: A Nightmare for Amorim
Ruben Amorim faces a selection headache. As many as seven players could miss out on this crucial fixture:
- Bruno Fernandes: Hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa. Amorim confirmed: "It's soft tissue, he's going to lose some games."
- Kobbie Mainoo: Calf injury in training, out for "a few weeks" according to the Portuguese coach
- Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui & Bryan Mbeumo: Away at AFCON in Morocco
- Matthijs de Ligt: Back injury, missed last four games but could potentially return
- Harry Maguire: Thigh problem, possibly available for Boxing Day
Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension, but the absences of Fernandes and Mainoo leave United's midfield desperately thin. Lisandro Martinez, who replaced Fernandes at half-time against Villa, could make his first start of the season.
Newcastle: Encouraging News Despite Injuries
Eddie Howe, preparing to take charge of his 200th match as Newcastle manager since arriving in November 2021, delivered positive updates in his press conference:
- Tino Livramento: Knee injury, but the club hopes for a quick return to training
- Nick Pope: The England goalkeeper (out for 7 games with a groin issue) could train and feature in the squad
- Sven Botman: "Not far away" from a return, though hasn't trained with the group yet
- Joelinton: "Getting closer to participating" after being an unused substitute recently
However, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Will Osula will all miss the trip to Old Trafford.
What the Managers Said
Eddie Howe expects an intense encounter: "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. I expect a slightly different Man United as we haven't played them yet this season."
The Newcastle boss also highlighted his team's improvement: "Statistically, they're a lot stronger than last year. They've seen big improvements in their general performances."
Ruben Amorim remains defiant despite the injuries: "I think Kobbie might be out, Bruno is out, so we will see. We are going to find solutions, no excuses, we need to win the next game and we will try to win the next game."
Key Battles
For Manchester United: Without Fernandes and Mainoo, creativity in midfield becomes the main concern. Casemiro and Ugarte will need to take on more offensive responsibility, while academy products like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey (who made their debuts against Villa) could be called upon. The defence, weakened by absences, must rediscover solidity against the Magpies.
For Newcastle: Exploiting United's defensive vulnerabilities will be crucial. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon form a lethal attacking duo capable of punishing any mistake. The midfield battle, potentially with Joelinton back in the mix, could prove decisive.
Prediction
Given Newcastle's outstanding record in this fixture (5 wins from the last 7 meetings), United's injury crisis, and the Red Devils' recent struggles at home, the Magpies appear well-equipped to take at least a point from Old Trafford. Eddie Howe could celebrate his 200th game in style.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United
