Bidding to make it four Premier League wins on the bounce, Newcastle United travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in their final game of 2024.
The Magpies smashed 10-man Aston Villa 3-0 at St James’ Park on Boxing Day to climb up to fifth in the table. They have also beaten Ipswich Town and Leicester City recently, scoring eight times in the process and conceding zero which shows the form Eddie Howe’s side are in at the moment.
The Toon Army will be looking to close out 2024 with a win over Man United, who are struggling under new boss Ruben Amorim and have lost their last three games across all competitions.
Newcastle United Team News
Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, Emil Krafth and Callum Wilson remain unavailable for selection, while Sven Botman is still not ready to make his season’s first appearance for Newcastle United.
Tino Livramento missed the win over Aston Villa due to illness, but Eddie Howe is expecting the full-back to be available for the fixture against Man United.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Man United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Deputising for the injured Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka has kept three back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League. The Slovakian will be hungry to end the year with another shutout.
Defence
In front of Dubravka, Eddie Howe is set to stick with a 4-3-3 formation. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have been regular starters in central defence this season. The duo will pose a huge threat to the hosts from set-pieces.
Tino Livramento is expected to recover from illness and walk straight back into the first XI at right-back, which will see Kieran Trippier drop to the bench. From the opposite side, Lewis Hall will look to stretch Man United and ask questions to their shaky defence.
Midfield
There is no looking past the midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Given Man United’s problems, the trio will try to take control of the game as quickly as possible and dictate terms.
Tonali’s presence at the base will allow Bruno and Joelinton to flourish as box-to-box midfielders. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff may get minutes in the second half.
Attack
Alexander Isak has scored 12 times in 19 appearances this season, and the Sweden international will once again lead the line for the Magpies. Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon have been in flying form as well of late, and they will provide energy, creativity and pace from wide areas.
Harvey Barnes, Will Osula and Lewis Miley should be options on the bench to try and change the course of the game.
