The festive period has proven to be a particularly grim chapter for Manchester United, who find themselves mired in a slump with four Premier League defeats in December.
The Red Devils have hit a new low, slipping to 14th in the table, and their head coach, Ruben Amorim, has made no effort to disguise his concern. His recent comments about the need to “survive” have raised eyebrows, leaving supporters to wonder whether he was referring to the team’s current plight or whether he sees the rest of the season as a battle for survival.
Amorim’s frustration is understandable given the difficulties he has faced since taking over. Five defeats in his first ten matches is the most any new Manchester United manager has suffered since Walter Crickmer in 1932. If that wasn’t concerning enough, the team is on the verge of losing five league games in a single calendar month for the first time in over 62 years. To add insult to injury, the next opponent to visit Old Trafford is Newcastle, and while their form has been far from perfect, United’s historically strong home record may provide a glimmer of hope.
Despite United’s struggles, the visit of Newcastle may offer the Red Devils a much-needed opportunity. Historically, United have been nearly unbeatable at home against Newcastle, having lost just one of their last 39 league meetings at Old Trafford. In fact, their home record against the Magpies reads 28 victories and 10 draws, with the solitary defeat coming all the way back in 2012. This daunting statistic will surely weigh heavily on Newcastle as they travel south, but the visitors arrive in outstanding form, making this clash even more intriguing.
Newcastle’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. The Magpies have stormed to three consecutive league victories, each one more convincing than the last, with a total aggregate score of 11-0. The most recent of these was a dominant 3-0 win against ten-man Aston Villa on Boxing Day, which propelled them into the top five and back into contention for a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side have looked solid at the back, and their attack has been in full flow, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the league at the moment.
A fourth consecutive victory without conceding would be a major milestone for Newcastle, as it would mark their first such streak in the top flight since April 2012. While the team has historically struggled at Old Trafford, they have turned the tables in recent meetings. In fact, Newcastle have won two of their last three league encounters with Manchester United, matching their total number of victories from the previous 16 matches against them. This marks a significant improvement and shows that they are more than capable of causing problems for the Red Devils, even in their own backyard.
For Manchester United, the absence of midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, both suspended, is another blow to their already fragile lineup. In light of this, Casemiro could be in line for a recall, and his performance will be key to United’s chances of stabilizing their midfield. The Brazilian will also be mindful of his disciplinary record, having been booked in all four of his previous encounters with Newcastle. A yellow card in this match would see him miss a future fixture, and given the importance of this game, he will need to tread carefully.
On the attacking side of things, Anthony Gordon will be a player to watch for Newcastle. The winger scored a stunning goal against Aston Villa and has been in fine form, netting in both of his previous encounters with Manchester United last season. If Gordon finds the net again, he could make history by becoming the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Premier League matches against Manchester United. With the attacking options at Newcastle’s disposal, Gordon’s contributions could prove pivotal in this high-stakes encounter.
Looking at the statistics, the pressure continues to mount on Manchester United as they approach the end of 2023. If they were to lose this match, it would mark their second consecutive calendar year ending in defeat, a scenario they have not experienced since 1986. With their form faltering and the top half of the table slipping further out of reach, a defeat against Newcastle would deepen the sense of crisis surrounding the club.
For Newcastle, the opportunity to further dent Manchester United’s season is tantalizing. Their strong form and impressive defensive record make them narrow favorites heading into this match, despite the daunting history of their encounters at Old Trafford. With United’s current troubles and Newcastle’s recent surge, this fixture promises to be a thrilling and pivotal one for both clubs.
Manchester United will need to dig deep if they are to avoid another defeat and salvage something from their tumultuous December. With Newcastle on a high, looking to extend their winning streak and climb higher in the table, this match has the potential to shift the balance of power at Old Trafford. With so much on the line, both teams will be hoping to end the year on a positive note, but it’s clear that the pressure is on the Red Devils to turn things around quickly.
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