Preview: Newcastle United vs Manchester United – Prediction, Team News, Line-ups

Manchester United will turn their focus back to the Premier League as they lock horns with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Thursday.

At a time when the Magpies are sitting in fifth position in the standings, Ruben Amorim’s side are languishing in 13th place after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign.

Match Preview

Newcastle will be in a positive mood after registering a four-game winning run in all competitions.

The Tyneside club’s most recent success came at the weekend against Championship-bound Leicester City. The visitors dicided the fate of the contest within the opening 35 minutes, as Jacob Murphy bagged a brace before Harvey Barnes added another with a brilliant finish.

The result means they are fifth in the league and with a game in hand over the teams around them, they have the opportunity to close the gap to just one point with Nottingham Forest.

While Newcastle’s focus is on the Premier League, Manchester United are prioritising the Europa League as it remains their only opportunity to secure Champions League football for next season.

Amorim’s men played out a 2-2 draw at Lyon in Thursday’s quarter-final first leg. The visitors had the perfect opportunity to come away with an advantage after substitute Joshua Zirkzee’s 88th-minute goal put them 2-1 ahead.

However, a horrible error from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Rayan Cherki to score at the death, leaving the tie in the balance ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.

The latest disappointing result means United are winless in their previous three matches in all competitions after the international break.

Team News

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will not be able to call upon the services of Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles as they are all battling injury issues at the moment. Joe Willock also remains unavailable for selection after he sat out Monday’s win over Leicester due to a concussion.

On the other hand, Manchester United news is not greatly positive for their supporters either. The English giants will be missing Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer due to fitness issues.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United potential line-ups

Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes, Isak

Manchester United: Bayindir; Mazraoui, Lindelof, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Mount; Zirkzee

How to Watch?

Fans of football can enjoy all the action from the English top-flight via live online streams.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United prediction

United’s priority is now the Europa League, while Newcastle are fully focused on winning their remaining eight league matches to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Red Devils have several top-class players in their ranks, but the Magpies’ excellent form suggests they will seal maximum points from the home encounter.

Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester United