- Manchester United has only lost one PL match on Boxing Day (W17, D2, L1)
- Newcastle won at Old Trafford last season for the first time since 1972
- The Magpies have lost their last three matches
Manchester United have been absolutely dominant on Boxing Day, a trend they hope to continue as they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford.
You can watch the match live at 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN or online via Live Extra.
The Red Devils’ last loss on Boxing Day came back in 2002, and they have won their last ten matches on December 26th. Coming off of a disappointing draw against Aston Villa, Louis van Gaal will look to continue tradition and earn another three points on the day after Christmas.
[ RELATED: Louis van Gaal gives his players Christmas Day off ]
Despite playing against ten-men for the final half-hour at Villa, Manchester United failed to capitalize and left with a 1-1 draw, snapping the club’s six-match win streak. Injuries forced Wayne Rooney to sit in a defensive midfield role as United missed his presence on the attack, failing to create many clear-cut chances. With Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini still out, Rooney could be forced to sit back once again. With Rooney’s absence up-top, Radamel Falcao got a rare start against Villa and contributed with the game-tying goal.
[ WATCH: Premier League TV Schedule -- Boxing Day ]
After stunning Chelsea 2-1, Newcastle has lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League, including an emotional 1-0 loss in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland over the weekend. Manager Alan Pardew admitted he may have pushed his side too hard late in the derby to earn try and earn a win, but the Magpies will likely play much more defensive-minded as they travel away to Old Trafford.
What they’re saying:
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on playing a complete game: “We have to continue, but there are no easy games in the Premier League. My record in away matches as a coach is not so bad. Away, teams are more open and want to attack but here they want to defend. That is why we have to build up a certain playing style so we can dominate. I’m saying every week that we are dominating for 45 or 60 minutes. We have to dominate for 90 minutes.”
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew on his team’s character: “We have good spirit and character in the squad. In terms of how we lost the [Sunderland] game, if we were going to lose a game, I’d rather we lost it like that. We tried to win it, and that ambition won’t leave this team because we have a good spirit and we never give in.”
Prediction:
Manchester United’s dominance on Boxing Day continues as they continue their climb towards the top of the table. The Magpies drop a third straight match as their skid continues. Manchester United 3-0 Newcastle United.
