Does Matheus Cunha play today? where to watch live Manchester United vs Newcastle in the Premier League

Manchester The clash represents the only game for Boxing Day in the 2025/26 season. Os Red Devils occupy seventh place with 26 points and are looking to get closer to the G-5, while Magpies are in 11th with 23 points and are trying to shorten the distance to the top of the table.

Rúben Amorim’s team is coming off a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, in the previous round, and has not won at home for more than two months. The Portuguese coach has several important absences, including captain Bruno Fernandes, out due to a hamstring injury, as well as Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Matthijs of

Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, drew 2-2 with Chelsea in the last match, after taking a 2-0 lead. Os Magpies have shown good recent performance against Manchester United, with five wins in the last six direct clashes, including a 4-1 in April 2025.

Embezzlements and probable lineups

Manchester United should enter the field with a 3-4-2-1 formation, adapted to absences. The defense has Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte form the base in the middle. In attack, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount support Benjamin Šeško as a reference. The team suffers from low availability, which limits options in the offensive sector.

Newcastle opts for a 4-3-3 formation, with a possible return of Nick Pope in goal. The defensive line includes Lloyd Miley, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schär and Lewis Hall. Bruno Guimarães leads the midfield alongside Sandro Tonali and Jacob Ramsey. In attack, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon form the offensive trio. The team faces defensive problems, but maintains strength on the counterattack.

Recent history favors visitors

Newcastle has dominated head-to-head matches in recent years. Os Magpies have won five of their six most recent games against Manchester United in all competitions. Last season, the Newcastle team achieved the double over Red Devils, with victories by 2-0 in Old Trafford and 4-1 in St James’ Park.

Manchester United maintains a good historical record in the Boxing Day, with 22 victories in the Premier League, but the current situation suggests difficulties. The team has not won at home in the league since October and is facing problems maintaining defensive solidity.

Factors that can decide the game

Both teams have played games with a lot of goals recently. Manchester United scored nine times in the last three matches, but suffered in defensive transitions. Newcastle has scored in high-scoring games, with at least two goals in five of the last six clashes against Red Devils.

Referee Anthony Taylor referees the match, with an average of 3.77 cards per game. The expectation is for a balanced duel, with opportunities on both sides due to defensive weaknesses.

Featured players

Matheus Cunha appears as a key player for Manchester United in the absence of Bruno Fernandes. The attacker has a good recent performance and can explore spaces in the opponent’s defense. Pelo Newcastle, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade appear as constant threats, with the German standing out for decisive goals.

Coach Rúben Amorim demands intensity and adaptation from the available players. Eddie Howe emphasizes organization and taking advantage of dead balls to overcome defensive absences.

Transmission and importance of the duel

The match will be broadcast exclusively on Disney+ on Brasil, starting at 5pm (Brasília time). The result could change positions in the table and influence the teams’ confidence in the festive period.

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