Man United vs Newcastle | Premier League | Pre Match

Manchester United will look to close out a dismal December and a forgettable 2024 on a better note as they prepare to host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday. Under immense pressure, manager Ruben Amorim will hope for significant improvements from his squad, which has been plagued by inconsistency, poor form, and mounting injuries throughout the year. United’s struggles have been particularly glaring this December, a month that has brought one setback after another and tested the patience of even their most loyal supporters. Monday’s clash offers one final chance to salvage pride and end the year on a high note, but against an in-form Newcastle side, it promises to be a stern test.

The Red Devils approach the fixture off the back of two successive defeats, a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Bournemouth and a 2-0 loss to Wolves within just four days. These results have left United reeling, both on and off the pitch. The losses marked an alarming run of form, as the team failed to find the back of the net in both games, leaving them on the brink of a humiliating record: three consecutive losses without scoring, a feat they haven’t endured since May 2015. Matheus Cunha played a starring role for Wolves, his performance driving Vitor Pereira’s side to victory at Molineux and handing United their fifth defeat across all competitions this month. December’s failures follow a troubling trend, as United also lost five matches in the same month last year, making them the first Premier League side to experience such back-to-back misery in consecutive Decembers.

Their Premier League statistics this December have been particularly damning. With four league defeats already, no team has lost more games during this stretch. One would have to go as far back as September 1962 to find a worse calendar month for United in the league, when they suffered five losses. Defensively, the situation has been just as dire. They conceded three goals against both Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth earlier in the month, and should they allow Newcastle to score three or more, it will mark the first time since October 1962 that United have conceded three or more goals in three straight home matches. United’s once-formidable fortress at Old Trafford has also been under siege; their loss to Forest earlier in December was one of several disappointing home performances. The club has not lost three consecutive league games at home since February 1979—a streak they will hope to avoid repeating.

The league table further emphasizes United’s woes. They currently languish in 14th place, with 12 points separating them from the top four and only eight points keeping them above the relegation zone. It’s a stark reminder of how far the club has fallen from its storied past. Injuries and suspensions have compounded Amorim’s troubles. Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount remain sidelined, while Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Wolves rules him out of contention. Adding to the woes, Manuel Ugarte is also suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, leaving the squad severely depleted in key areas.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United travel to Old Trafford in a completely contrasting run of form. Eddie Howe’s side has been resurgent, winning their last three Premier League matches against Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Aston Villa with an aggregate score of 11-0. This scintillating streak has propelled Newcastle to fifth in the table, showcasing their ambitions to secure European football for another season. The Magpies’ current form is reminiscent of their best under Howe. They last achieved four consecutive league victories in March and April 2023, and should they manage a win at Old Trafford without conceding, it would mark their first four-game streak with clean sheets since April 2012.

Newcastle’s attack has been firing on all cylinders, with Alexander Isak leading the charge. The Swedish striker has been in remarkable form, scoring in each of his last five Premier League appearances. He now stands on the cusp of history, as only Joe Willock (seven games in May 2021) has scored in more consecutive matches for Newcastle in the top flight. Isak’s tally of 24 Premier League goals in 2024 also puts him in elite company, second only to club legend Alan Shearer, who scored 27 league goals in a calendar year back in 2002. Complementing Isak’s prowess, Anthony Gordon has been another standout performer, curling in a stunning opener against Aston Villa in their last outing. Gordon has already scored home and away against Manchester United in previous encounters and will be eager to make history by becoming the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Premier League games against the Red Devils.

Newcastle’s preparations have been slightly disrupted by illness concerns, with Tino Livramento’s availability uncertain. However, Howe will rely on the rest of his squad to maintain their upward trajectory, though notable absentees remain, including Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Nick Pope, Jamaal Lascelles, and Callum Wilson, all of whom are ruled out until 2025. Despite these challenges, Newcastle’s depth and confidence make them formidable opponents.

Historically, Manchester United has dominated this fixture, especially at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 39 home league matches against Newcastle, a 1-0 defeat in December 2013 under David Moyes. However, recent meetings suggest a shift in the balance of power. Newcastle has won two of their last three Premier League games against United, equaling the number of victories they had achieved in their previous 16 encounters combined. Last season’s corresponding fixture was a thrilling affair, with United emerging as 3-2 winners courtesy of Rasmus Højlund’s late strike. Despite Lewis Hall’s stoppage-time goal for Newcastle, it served only as a consolation for Howe’s men.

As the two sides prepare to meet, Monday’s game promises to be a fascinating clash of contrasting fortunes. For Manchester United, it represents an opportunity to halt their alarming slide and end the year with a semblance of dignity. However, they will need to overcome significant challenges, including their depleted squad and a surging Newcastle side hungry for success. On the other hand, Newcastle will view this as a chance to cement their position in the league’s upper echelons and continue their remarkable run of form. With Isak, Gordon, and others firing on all cylinders, the Magpies will undoubtedly fancy their chances of upsetting the Old Trafford faithful once again.

For Ruben Amorim, this match is not just about salvaging points but also restoring belief and unity within the squad. A poor result could deepen the crisis at United, while a win might serve as a turning point heading into the New Year. For Eddie Howe and Newcastle, it’s another opportunity to underline their credentials as genuine contenders for European football and perhaps more. As 2024 draws to a close, the stage is set for a gripping encounter that could define the trajectory of both clubs as they step into the challenges of a new year.