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MU's form has been inconsistent. |
The only Premier League match on Boxing Day will be the highly anticipated clash at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host Newcastle, an opponent that has become a nemesis for the Red Devils in recent seasons. With both teams lacking consistent form, this encounter is particularly important for their ambitions of catching up to European qualification spots.
Manchester United entered the match with heavy hearts after their 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa, despite not playing badly. Ruben Amorim's side have only won 2 of their last 8 matches and are still languishing outside the top 6. Old Trafford is also no longer a stronghold, as the "Red Devils" have failed to win in their last three home games. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's Newcastle just dropped points with a 2-2 draw against Chelsea despite leading by two goals, continuing their inconsistent form both in terms of performance and results.
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Old Trafford is no longer a stronghold for MU. |
Recent history heavily favors Newcastle. Since their Carabao Cup final defeat in March 2023, the Magpies have won 5 of their last 6 encounters with Manchester United, keeping 4 clean sheets. Notably, this number equals Newcastle's total number of wins in their previous 42 meetings with the Red Devils.
Statistically, Manchester United have a major problem after the break, with 9 of their 12 home goals conceded this season coming in the second half. Meanwhile, Newcastle are particularly vulnerable late in the game, with no team conceding more goals after the 76th minute in the Premier League (10 goals). Furthermore, 9 of Newcastle's last 10 matches have had over 2.5 goals, suggesting an open game is entirely possible at Old Trafford.
Manchester United suffered a major blow with captain Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo both absent due to injury. The availability of center-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remains uncertain, leaving the Red Devils' defense vulnerable. In attack, Matheus Cunha is a rare bright spot, having scored in two consecutive matches, showing a tendency to shine early before halftime.
Newcastle are also in a depleted squad, missing Tino Livramento and Dan Burn. However, there's a positive sign from Nick Woltemade, who just ended a five-game goalless streak with a brace against Chelsea, including the opening goal. Given the depleted squads and inconsistent form of both teams, the Boxing Day match at Old Trafford promises to be full of drama and surprises.
Source: https://znews.vn/truc-iep-mu-vs-newcastle-post1614348.html
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