The Red Devils return to action for the first time in over two weeks, with Cristiano and Co. aiming to grab all three points on Monday.

Preview

For the first time in just over two weeks – 16 days to be precise – Man United will take to the field. The Premier League giants have not played an official game since December 11 but will finally end their long absence on Monday, the day after Boxing Day, with an interesting showdown against Newcastle.

The Red Devils' goal for this fixture will be straightforward: beat the relegation-battling side, secure the three points, and kick start their climb up the table. Cristiano and Co. are currently seventh in the standings, trailing fourth-placed Arsenal by a whopping eight points. However, context is key in this situation.

Rangnick's side have played three fewer games than their north London rivals, one of which will be their midweek trip to St. James' Park. The other two were postponed clashes with Brentford and Brighton which were unfortunately called off due to the growing COVID-19 outbreak in the English top-flight.

Win all three games and Man United would move ahead of Arsenal once again. However, after witnessing their poor performance in their 1-0 triumph away to Norwich in their last game, it is clear that a lot of work remains to be done at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Red Devils enter this clash on a three-game winning streak, but all three of those triumphs came courtesy of a one-goal margin. The 3-2 victory at home to Arsenal was sealed by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty while the Premier League giants only managed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the following game despite dominating the proceedings. Similarly, another Cristiano spot kick earned them the three points at Carrow Road two weeks back.

Newcastle, meanwhile, enter this game with similar ambitions and that is to come away with all three points. However, their ultimate goal is different. While the Red Devils aim to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League, the Magpies are facing the fight of their lives in order to avoid relegation.

Eddie Howe's crew are second from bottom, having lost all but eight of their 18 outings this season. From those eight fixtures, only one ended in victory, with the Magpies dropping points in 17 out of their 18 matches this term.

Their most recent outing was a clash with Man United's neighbors and bitter rivals Man City, which they lost 4-0. Although another VAR controversy robbed Callum Wilson and Co. of a penalty, Newcastle were atrocious once again, showing why they are facing the drop this season.

In fact, the hosts have conceded 3+ goals in all of their last three fixtures, losing 3-1 away to Liverpool while going 4-0 down at Leicester. However, 17th-placed Watford are only three points away while 16th-placed Leeds boast a mere six-point advantage. Can they pull off a memorable result against the Red Devils today? Tune in to find out.

Team news

Newcastle: Shelvey is a doubt while Isaac Hayden is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 4-0 loss to City. Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis are out due to thigh injuries.

Man United: Things are looking positive for the Red Devils in terms of team news. Paul Pogba remains out but the likes of Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Cavani, and Martial are all fit – the latter has confirmed his desire to leave Old Trafford and thus might be dropped as a result. Lindelof is also back in contention despite suffering scary breathing difficulties in the trip to Norwich earlier this month.

Key stats

  • Newcastle have won only once in seven games under Eddie Howe.

  • Man United boast a four-game winning streak against the Magpies in the Premier League.

  • The St. James' Park side are yet to pick up a point against the top 10 teams in the league.

  • Ralf Rangnick could become the first Red Devils manager to collect clean sheets in his first three Premier League games in charge.

Broadcast listings

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Newcastle United 1 - 1 Manchester United

December 27, 2021 3:00pmSt. James' Park (Newcastle upon Tyne)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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