Man Utd Set to Unleash Cunha as Creative Spark Against Newcastle in Place of Fernandes
Manchester United are looking for their first home win in two months as they welcome Newcastle United in the only Premier League match on Boxing Day.
The Red Devils haven't secured a victory at Old Trafford since defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4–2 in late October, suffering a loss to 10-man Everton before disappointing draws against West Ham United and Bournemouth. Three holiday points in front of their home crowd would serve as a perfect present for Ruben Amorim.
Newcastle will present a formidable challenge though, as Man Utd have been defeated in five of their previous six encounters with the Magpies. The unavailability of captain Bruno Fernandes along with several other key absentees will require the Red Devils to show great resilience on Friday.
Here's how Man Utd might set up against their visitors from the North East.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (3-4-2-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—Lammens couldn't prevent either of Morgan Rogers's brilliant strikes in the 2–1 loss at Aston Villa last Sunday and will be hoping for just his second clean sheet since arriving in the summer.
CB: Leny Yoro—Yoro bore some responsibility for both Rogers goals against Villa and has appeared uncertain in recent performances. Limited alternatives at right-sided centre back guarantees another starting opportunity for the French defender.
CB: Ayden Heaven—Injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have left Man Utd lacking leadership at the heart of defense. Heaven has found it difficult to bridge that gap, but the 19-year-old showed promise at Villa Park.
CB: Luke Shaw—Shaw has featured in all 17 of Man Utd's Premier League fixtures this campaign and Lisandro Martínez's comeback hasn't yet challenged his position in the starting eleven.
RWB: Diogo Dalot—Dalot faced Roy Keane's criticism following the Villa loss after being charged with "not contributing enough" for the Red Devils. He'll aim to answer his critics against Newcastle, though he faces a difficult matchup with dynamic Anthony Gordon.
CM: Casemiro—Casemiro completed his one-game ban against Villa and his absence was clearly felt in the Midlands. The Brazilian's comeback is well-timed considering injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and, crucially, Bruno Fernandes.
CM: Manuel Ugarte—Fernandes's absence will create a significant creative void in midfield, with Ugarte unlikely to match his captain's attacking flair. Nevertheless, Amorim has limited alternatives now that Mason Mount has been positioned further upfield.
LWB: Patrick Dorgu—Some impressive pressing led to Man Utd's goal against Villa, though it wasn't an especially dynamic display from the wing-back overall. He'll face a stern examination from either Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy.
RF: Matheus Cunha—Man Utd urgently need Cunha to assume Fernandes's creative responsibilities and his recent displays are promising. Two goals and one assist in his previous three appearances indicate he can help compensate for the Portuguese midfielder's absence.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—Benjamin Šeško earned his first start in seven weeks at Villa Park and should maintain his spot ahead of Joshua Zirkzee. Some rustiness is anticipated following an extended period out.
LF: Mason Mount—Amorim might consider moving Mount back into midfield, though he's far more impactful as an attacking option. The English player is another who must elevate his game in the absence of not only Fernandes, but also Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
