Newcastle United should head to Manchester United on Boxing Day full of confidence.
Indeed, Newcastle United have a good record at Old Trafford in recent seasons, winning on two of their last three visits there.
The away form Eddie Howe’s side have produced this season leaves an awful lot to be desired, but their hosts on Boxing Day do not always convince themselves.
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The fact that Bruno Fernandes will be injured against Newcastle also makes Howe’s task slightly easier.
Fernandes injured his hamstring against Aston Villa last time out, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will miss the game due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking ahead of Manchester United versus Newcastle, Ruben Amorim has made a big admission about what his team will be like without their influential captain.
Ruben Amorim worried about Bruno Fernandes injury ahead of Newcastle clash
While the Manchester giants do boast a squad packed full of talent, there’s little doubt that missing Fernandes is a major blow.
The midfielder is surely one of the best in the Premier League, if not European football, and would arguably be given more respect if he were playing for a club not quite as chaotic.
Fernandes has rarely missed a minute in the Premier League this season and has scored five goals while registering seven assists.
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Asked about what his team loses with the 31-year-old not available during his pre-match press conference, Amorim said: “Everything, everything.
“Again, he understands every position on the field, he pays attention to every detail.
“Every set-piece. When you have a substitution, he’s always the guy that is telling the other guys where they should be.”
Manchester United’s record without Bruno Fernandes is good news for Newcastle United
Fernandes is an ever-present for the Red Devils and does not tend to miss many matches.
Still, when he’s not available, his side tend to struggle.
Since joining the club in January 2020, Fernandes has missed only nine Premier League games.
His side have won just three of them, and none since the 2021/22 campaign.
Still, Newcastle have a dreadful record on Boxing Day and their away form this season does not at all convince.
Not having to play against Fernandes will make things slightly easier but Newcastle simply have to get their own house in order first.
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