Ruben Amorim will be asking for a Christmas reaction from his Manchester United side, when a partisan Old Trafford welcomes Newcastle on Friday evening.
Three points separate the teams ahead of the festive outing, with Mason Mount and Co. aiming to make amends following a frustrating defeat at Villa Park.
The Reds will have to contend with a barrage of absentees through injury and international duty, none more significant than the irreplaceable Bruno Fernandes.
But there is quality among those remaining in Manchester, and the opportunity to keep pressure on teams challenging for European positions offers an undeniable incentive.
Amorim is aware of the challenge ahead, and although some will seek to discredit his intentions, the Portuguese is focusing on gaining another valuable three points.
Manchester United Team News
United will have to cope without the services of Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo through injury, leaving an undeniable void at the heart of midfield.
Bruno was withdrawn at Villa Park with a soft tissue complaint, while Mainoo missed the Birmingham outing with a calf injury sustained in training.
However, the manager has suggested that both could return sooner than anticipated, supplying some festive hope for a disgruntled fanbase. “They are recovering. I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time,” Ruben confirmed.
“Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say [how long Bruno will be out]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
Casemiro will return following a mandatory suspension, but Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still unavailable due to separate setbacks.
The trio of Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are all competing for international honours at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Newcastle have enjoyed the bragging rights over the Northern neighbours in recent years, winning five of the previous six meetings, including a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford nearly a year to the day.
However, despite a favourable collection of recent results for Eddie Howe’s men, there is little to separate the form of both sides throughout the current campaign.
As we are all aware, the Premier League is a fickle beast at the best of times, but home comforts can often provide a telling factor during high-profile encounters.
Let’s hope an energetic Stretford End can supply a catalyst for another fast start on Friday evening.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Mount, Casemiro, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko.
How do you feel ahead of our latest outing, and would you fancy Licha lining out in midfield? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com).
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