Manchester United host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, the sole Premier League fixture on one of the calendar’s most traditional dates.
Both teams have their sights set on Champions League qualification this season, but have ground to make up in the top-four race. Ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford, we’ve put together our Manchester United and Newcastle combined XI. Only available players were considered for selection.
Manchester United vs Newcastle – Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens – Manchester United
Neither goalkeeper has covered themselves in much glory in recent weeks, but Senne Lammens edges out Aaron Ramsdale for the gloves here.
The Belgian started brightly at Manchester United, and Lammens is a player of real potential. Though there’s room for improvement, he’s brought stability that was lacking last season.
Right-back: Tino Livramento – Newcastle
Ruben Amorim is yet to crack the formula with his wing-backs, but that’s no problem for Eddie Howe.
In Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, Newcastle have one of the most dynamic duos in the division. It’s a full-back pairing that Thomas Tuchel could well call upon with England in the near future.
Centre-back: Malick Thiaw – Newcastle
Amid a mountain of money spent poorly in the Premier League last summer, the roughly £30m fee to bring Malick Thiaw to Newcastle was good business. The German has been a model of composure at centre-back, with his form earning him an international recall.
Malick Thiaw strikes twice! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/c5zIaZEVt5
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 29, 2025
Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez – Manchester United
There’s plenty of defensive absences on either side, with Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Dan Burn among those ruled out.
Lisandro Martinez’s recent return is timely for Manchester United, and the Argentine can lead an inexperienced side at Old Trafford. There’s even a chance he’s deployed in midfield after a second-half showing at Aston Villa.
Lisandro Martinez in central midfield (45 minutes):
100% aerial duels won
38 total touches
32 passes attempted
29 passes completed
5 passes into the final third
3 ball recoveries
1 shotAn option moving forward? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ye0lEIkK4j
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 21, 2025
Left-back: Lewis Hall – Newcastle
England’s left-back role looks an open race ahead of the World Cup, and Lewis Hall is stating his case.
The 21-year-old brings endless energy and wicked deliveries from wide, while he ranks in the top 5% of Premier League full-backs for tackles and progressive passes per 90.
Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
A huge favourite at Newcastle – and with good reason. Guimaraes has been a major part of the club’s climb under their current ownership and displays a passion that resonates with the Geordie faithful.
That aside, he’s one of the most complete midfielders in Europe, the sort Manchester United sorely lack.
Midfield: Sandro Tonali – Newcastle
Sandro Tonali continues the Newcastle dominance of our combined XI, with the Italian another who excels in all areas of the midfield game. Tonali evades pressure well, is strong as an ox, has a brilliant passing range, and boasts an engine to go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Midfield: Joelinton – Newcastle
The enforcer of the Newcastle side. The big Brazilian routinely bulldozes opposition midfields, with the combination of Joelinton, Guimaraes, and Tonali tough to match from a physical perspective. Manchester United face a real challenge to do so amid their depleted options in the engine room.
Forward: Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
Manchester United made Matheus Cunha their first signing of the summer, activating the player’s release clause at Wolves, amid competition from clubs including Newcastle.
The summer signing has found his form in recent weeks with back-to-back goals. Less tangible, his ability to wriggle free from pressure and carry his team up the pitch is crucial to Ruben Amorim.
2 in his last 2 Premier League matches.
Matheus Cunha really is cooking 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/1urQ0dfJ7A
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 21, 2025
Forward: Anthony Gordon – Newcastle
A real direct threat, the best of Anthony Gordon was on show in Newcastle’s recent draw with Chelsea. He recorded two assists for Nick Woltemade and was unfortunate not to win a penalty with one trademark scampering run.
He’s another in the Magpies’ ranks who is hoping to nail down a World Cup place with England.
Forward: Nick Woltemade – Newcastle
Newcastle invested a club-record fee to sign Nick Woltemade in the summer, as the club sought a replacement for Alexander Isak.
Few have been disappointed with their return so far, as the German has scored seven times in 14 league games. A 6ft 6in forward with mobility and nimble feet is a rare profile.
A brace for Nick Woltemade this afternoon 💪🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/N5QhjLL8jG
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2025
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