- Date and Time: Monday, 30 December, 2024, 21:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
| Odds via 22bet | |
| Manchester United vs Newcastle United | Monday, 30 December, 2024, 21:00 GMT+1 |
| Manchester United odds | 2.675 |
| Newcastle United odds | 3.72 |
| Draw | 2.432 |
| Over\Under | Total 2,5: 1.26/3.72 |
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Preview
Manchester United
When coaching staff change mid-season, the repercussions on the team’s performance can be severe. Manchester United’s case is no different. The 4-0 victory against Everton was promising for fans, despite newly-appointed head coach Ruben Amorim warning that a “storm” would be coming.
The Portuguese wasn’t far off from reality, as his side have only won two matches in the next seven, one if we exclude the victory against Viktoria Plzeň (1-2). Ruben justified himself, claiming that the boys are getting used to a new system, which explains the current situation.
Determined to end the year on a high 💬#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/ANu3QHx0pM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2024
Manchester lost to Wolverhampton (2-0) last week, which is considered a shocking defeat as they started the game well. They attacked and had a couple of close shots, but Wolverhampton’s compact defence avoided the worst.
Bruno Fernandes was sent off after a second yellow card, a decision Amorim described as fair but also “rough.” He insisted there were “no bad intentions” behind it. Manchester United’s offensive leader was gone, and the boys would always have a difficult time.
Back at home for the final time in 2024 🏠#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/pMXAG2A10p
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2024
Without their most important players, the Red Devils struggled to contain counter-attacks. Their mental fragility caused them to concede not one but two goals. One of these goals was a set-piece goal, which raises the question of whether the club might benefit from a set-piece coach. It happened eight days earlier, against Tottenham (4-3).
For Amorim, it’s important to survive. It would be a fair approach if Manchester’s calendar wouldn’t be so difficult. After the Newcastle match, they’ll face Liverpool and Arsenal.
| Recent Form | WWLLLL |
| Key Player to Watch | Amad Diallo |
| Team Strengths | Strong counter-attacking identity, talented individuals |
| Team Weaknesses | Lack of reliable midfielders, newly-implemented method, set-piece defending, overreliance on Bruno Fernandes |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte (suspended), Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf and Mason Mount. |
Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s season has been a story of inconsistency, with head coach Eddie Howe trying different approaches throughout the seasons. They’ve won the last four games and rank 7th in the Premier League. The club is two points behind 5th-placed Manchester City. The Magpies defeated Unai Emery’s Aston Villa last week (3-0). It was influenced by Jhon Durán’s red card for violent conduct before the half-time whistle.
HOWAY THE LADS! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ytb7AsI7dD
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 30, 2024
However, Newcastle conceded draws against Crystal Palace (1-1) and lost to Brentford. Between these two fixtures, they held league leader Liverpool to a 3-3 draw. After the Manchester match, they will play Tottenham and Arsenal, making it difficult for Eddie Howe to rotate his squad.
A report published by the Athletic this weekend revealed that Anthony Gordon intends to stay in the hope of qualifying for the Champions League. He renewed his contract in October, saying he wants to stay until his agreement runs out in 2029. The commitment extension was vital for the club, given Gordon’s importance to the team.
| Recent Form | LWWWW |
| Key Player to Watch | Alexander Isak |
| Team Strengths | Clear tactical identity, individual talent and cohesion between profiles |
| Team Weaknesses | Lack of consistency, limited squad depth, lack of defensive solidity |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Nick Pope, Valentino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier |
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Head-to-Head Statistics
The two teams faced each other 179 times, with 92 matches ending in Manchester United’s favour. Newcastle won 46 times and drew 41.
The Red Devils won the last fixture between the two teams (3-2), back in May. Kobbie Mainoo scored the first goal, but Gordon equalized five minutes after the second-half kick-off. Amad Diallo made it 2-1 eight minutes later, followed by Rasmus Højlund’s goal in the 84th minute. Lewis Hall scored the Magpies’ second goal in additional time.
Newcastle’s last victory against Manchester United dates back a year ago, with Gordon scoring the only goal in the 55th minute.
Bet hereManchester United vs Newcastle United Player Focus
Without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United would have had to organize their attack as most of their transitions featured the Portuguese at the centre of the action. Amad Diallo is a hot candidate for it. The 22-year-old has benefitted from Amorim’s approach since his arrival. He scored against Manchester City and Tottenham and was one of the few good performers in the disaster against Bournemouth (3-0).
Let’s go again! 💪 pic.twitter.com/5rppldB7Rw
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 29, 2024
While Bruno Guimarães used to be the team’s most important player, Eddie Howe’s change of tactics has led to Sandro Tonali’s rise. He now features regularly as the team’s deepest midfielder. He often exchanges roles with Guimarães, with Eddie Howe insisting he wants his players to be “free” in their movements. It has led to an improvement in the team’s fluidity going forward and is arguably a central player. Perhaps even more critical than Gordon or Isak.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Analysis
Manchester United’s counter-attacking culture clashes with Newcastle’s free-flowing approach since Tonali reclaimed the ‘6’ position. It’s key for the Red Devils to stop passing channels between the Italian and Bruno Guimarães, as their bond creates most of the Magpies’ chances.
Furthermore, Manchester’s lack of midfield presence makes this more challenging, especially without Ugarte, who’s also suspended for the match. It’s likely to see Ruben Amorim going for a more direct approach, with Diallo being key in the final third.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Prediction
- Football pick: Newcastle United to win
- Odds: 3.72 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle
Despite the game taking place at Old Trafford, Manchester United are unlikely to come out victorious this time. Their form suggests a lack of confidence while Amorim is trying to keep the boat afloat. Unfortunately, without Ugarte and Fernandes, his plans through the middle are compromised.
It is true that Newcastle have been inconsistent, but their forwards are in form. They’re likely to break through Manchester’s fragile defensive block.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Betting Tip
- Football Pick: Alexander Isak to score
- Odds: 1.47 (22Bet)
We mentioned Tonali as one of the propellers of Newcastle’s current form, but that would be inaccurate without mentioning the other architect, Isak. The Swede has been unstoppable in the last two games, scoring a hat-trick against Ipswich. He also scored against Aston Villa in the 3-0 victory, raising his goal tally to 11 in 16 Premier League matches.
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