Newcastle vs Man United: Predicted XIs, Team News & Nick Pope Injury Update
The Premier League Boxing Day clash between Newcastle United and Manchester United at Old Trafford promises drama, with both teams carrying significant injury concerns and squad rotation headaches heading into what is the only league fixture on December 26, 2025. (Geordie Boot Boys)
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle’s preparations have been dominated by injury issues throughout December. A host of first-team players are unavailable, leaving manager Eddie Howe short in defence and attack. Several senior defenders — including Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Valentino Livramento and Emil Krafth — are sidelined, with others still building up fitness. Striker William Osula is also unavailable with an ankle issue. (Khel Now)
The biggest talking point, however, has been goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been working his way back from a groin injury suffered in training. Recent updates from Howe indicate Pope is pushing to be fit for this game, although he hasn’t yet resumed full training and his inclusion remains uncertain until the last minute. If he does recover sufficiently, Pope could reclaim his spot between the sticks — a significant boost given Newcastle’s defensive concerns. (freetips.com)
Howe is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 system to maintain balance, with Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton anchoring the midfield. Up front, Nick Woltemade is expected to lead the line, supported by wide attackers Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy. (TheHardTackle.com)
Predicted Newcastle XI (4-3-3)
GK: Nick Pope (if fit)
DEF: Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schär, Lewis Hall
MID: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
FWD: Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon (Khel Now)
If Pope misses out, Aaron Ramsdale would start — a change that brings its own tactical implications given the contrasting styles of the two keepers. (freetips.com)
Manchester United Team News
United arrive at Old Trafford amid their own injury and availability dilemmas. Captain Bruno Fernandes is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and manager Ruben Amorim has described his absence as a major creative blow to the squad. (Reuters)
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also out with a calf problem, while defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain unavailable. Additionally, players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, further depleting the resources. (freetips.com)
Despite the absences, there is reassurance for United fans as Casemiro returns from suspension, potentially adding steel to the midfield. The Red Devils are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Senne Lammens in goal and a back three featuring Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw. (freetips.com)
Predicted Man United XI (3-4-2-1)
GK: Senne Lammens
DEF: Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw
MID: Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu
ATT: Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha
ST: Benjamin Sesko (freetips.com)
Match Outlook
This fixture could be closely fought despite the weakened squads. Newcastle’s injury woes mean Howe may have to adjust his tactical approach, relying on discipline and counter-attacking thrusts. Meanwhile, United’s creative problems without Fernandes could blunt their attacking edge, placing added responsibility on players like Mount and Cunha to influence the contest. (Football365)
The Nick Pope injury situation remains one of the most intriguing aspects of team news — with his potential return adding a much-needed leader at the back for Newcastle, though his final inclusion will only be confirmed close to kick-off. (freetips.com)
Overall, this Boxing Day showdown is likely to be a tight, tactical affair with both sides striving to end 2025 on a positive note. (Geordie Boot Boys)
