Just when it looks like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is about to turn around Manchester United, they crash and burn.
The Red Devils have played well all season versus the better teams in the Premier League. However, it is the teams outside the top five that Manchester United have struggled to defeat. Last weekend, Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by bottom club Watford at Vicarage Road.
Newcastle United will be buoyed by Manchester United’s recent poor form. The Red Devils have taken just one point from their last six possible. The Magpies, on the other hand, have won three of their last four matches in the division.
Last weekend, Steve Bruce’s team defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 at St. James’ Park. The win propelled Newcastle United into ninth place and level on 25 points with Manchester United. Just three points separate both Manchester United and Newcastle United from the league’s top five.
Manchester United have lost just once at Old Trafford this term. That loss came against Crystal Palace. They have bagged 16 goals and allowed nine scores at home.
Newcastle United have taken just nine points from 27 on their travels. Four of their last six away fixtures have finished in losses. It is Newcastle United’s road form that is preventing them from moving up the table and challenging the top five.
Bruce led Newcastle United to a win versus Manchester United when they played in October at St. James’ Park. Can he do it again at Old Trafford? Newcastle United haven’t won at Old Trafford since December 2013.
Between that win at Old Trafford and Newcastle United’s win at home this season, the Magpies won once in nine tries versus Manchester United. The Red Devils are unbeaten in eight of their last 11 matches against Newcastle United.
Newcastle United have an injury crisis heading into Boxing Day with seven players listed as hurt. Only Allan Saint-Maximin is listed as ruled out right now, but Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles are unlikely to feature for the team until the new year.
Solskjaer’s injury list has been greatly reduced. Paul Pogba returned to the team at the weekend and despite not leading Manchester United to a win, was praised for his play. Goalkeeper David De Gea was not praised as his catastrophic error led to a Watford goal.
Can Manchester United bounce back versus Newcastle United? Based on history and a return of numerous players from injury, Manchester United will win at home on Boxing Day. Expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in a competitive match.
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