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Pundit Predictions: Who replaces Bruno?
Monday 30 December 2024 14:00
Ruben Amorim faces a couple of selection headaches as Manchester United host Newcastle United in a Monday night Premier League clash.
The 20:00 GMT kick-off provides an opportunity for the Reds to return to winning ways after a disappointing run of defeats over the festive period.
Included in our Boxing Day loss at Wolves was a red card for captain Bruno Fernandes and a fifth booking of the campaign for in-form midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Both are thus suspended for the Old Trafford fixture.
Ahead of a night under the lights, we’ve been playing our United Predictions game alongside MUTV pundits Wes Brown and Danny Webber. Join us in selecting Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes if you do.
The key debate around Amorim’s starting line-up revolves around how United will start without the ever-present Fernandes, who will be absent in the league for the first time this season. In fact, the only game he’s missed in all competitions was our 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League, when Noussair Mazraoui started in his place.
So, who comes in for Fernandes and Ugarte? Well, two-time UEFA Champions League winner Wes Brown expects Christian Eriksen to start, with a youthful front three. Check out his full predictions below before making your own…
WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Malacia; Amad, Zirkzee, Garnacho.
Score: United 2-1 Newcastle
First scorer: Amad
Man of the Match: Amad
Wes predicts Matthijs De Ligt to return to the line-up, having missed our games at Tottenham Hotspur and at home to AFC Bournemouth through illness. The Dutchman was an unused substitute at Wolves. That would mean Harry Maguire dropping to the bench.
The MUTV pundit is hoping for big things from Amad, and with good reason. He’s contributed a goal or an assist in nine games this season and his high-energy pressing has earned great rewards since Ruben Amorim’s November arrival as head coach.
Partnering Amad will be Alejandro Garnacho, according to Wes, playing behind Joshua Zirkzee, who could come into the line-up for Rasmus Hojlund. The two forwards have replaced one another regularly in Ruben’s XI in recent weeks.
Amad’s top three goals of 2024 Video
Amad’s top three goals of 2024
TOP THREE GOALS OF 2024 | Amad’s countdown features two last-gasp winners against historic rivals…
DANNY WEBBER’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Mazraoui; Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Score: United 2-2 Newcastle
First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund
Man of the Match: Hojlund.
Danny Webber thinks Amorim will stick with the same back three who started at Wolves, with Casemiro coming in for the suspended Ugarte. He’s backing Rasmus Hojlund to retain his spot in the starting line-up, ahead of Zirkzee, and predicts the Danish forward to be our first goalscorer, with Garnacho and Amad behind.
Do you agree with Wes and Danny? Make your predictions here.
Or do you need some more inspiration before making your pick on the scoreline or Man of the Match? Well, here’s some key information from the boss, Diogo Dalot, and a prediction from one of our writers…
AMORIM ON CAPTAINCY
Ruben Amorim told journalists “you will have to wait until the game and see the captain” when asked who would take the armband from the suspended Fernandes.
When Bruno last missed a game, against Fenerbahce, Lisandro Martinez led the side, although former club captain Harry Maguire is clearly another strong option.
“What do I think of Harry? He works really well – he is focused on the job and not what people say,” Amorim said.
“He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments. I think in that department he is an example. He is there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.”
DALOT ON NEWCASTLE
“It’s always tough games, they are a really intense team, really physical also,” Dalot told club media about Newcastle, a team he has faced more than any other side.
“Every time we play against them, we have to be really ready for a high-intensity game, so that’s what I expect.
“I expect a high-intensity profile of players, a proper Premier League game. Hopefully, we can be on our best levels so we can beat them.”
OUR WRITER SAYS… 2-1 UNITED
Harry Robinson: “It’s been an up-and-down year for United. It certainly feels like a tough moment now, with three defeats on the bounce, but I have enjoyed three of the great moments in my United-supporting life in 2024. The mere mention of the FA Cup final and the surrounding celebrations still bring a great grin to my face, and Amad’s winners against Liverpool — in March — and Manchester City, just a fortnight ago, do the same. There have been plenty more, too.
“All of this is to say, I’d love United to end this year on a deserved high because, for all those ups and downs, it has included some truly special moments. It’s a trophy-winning year, for the men, women and the youth teams in both the Boys’ and Girls’ academies. With that in mind, I’m predicting United to win 2-1. Newcastle are a good team who have shown their quality at Old Trafford on occasion, but we’ve had the better of them more often than not. With Fernandes and Ugarte suspended, there will be players fighting to show Amorim that they should start more often. We need that fight and I think we’ll see it tonight.”
Score: United 2-1 Newcastle
First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund
Man of the Match: Amad
PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS
Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.
You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.
With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!
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Monday 30 December 2024 14:00
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