Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is grappling with a severe injury crisis as his team prepares for a crucial Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at Old Trafford today, Friday 26 December.
Mounting Absences for the Red Devils
The Portuguese tactician is without a host of key first-team players. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their absences have been compounded by fresh injury blows in recent days, forcing Amorim into a significant reshuffle.
Captain Bruno Fernandes faces a spell on the sidelines after being forced off at half-time during the match against Aston Villa. His usual deputy, Kobbie Mainoo, is also unavailable after picking up a problem in training. Amorim provided an update, stating: ‘They are recovering. I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno.’
Defensive Dilemmas and Attacking Consistency
The issues extend into defence, where Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain unfit, though they could return for the game against Wolves on 30 December. Young defender Leny Yoro struggled against Villa and may be rested, which could see Lisandro Martinez handed a first start since recovering from a long-term knee injury.
In attack, however, Amorim has little room for manoeuvre. The forward trio of Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Benjamin Sesko is expected to start once more. Joshua Zirkzee provides an alternative option, but his minutes have reduced following the return to fitness of Sesko and Cunha.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup
Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension and is likely to step into the midfield void left by Fernandes, partnering Manuel Ugarte. With the defensive injuries, Martinez could line up in central defence. Given United have won only one of their last six meetings with Newcastle, Amorim may consider another tactical adjustment.
The Premier League clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United kicks off at 8pm today. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV for subscribers.
