Dugout Discussion

Man Utd v Newcastle team news: Martinez starts

26 December 2025 948 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
Share:

The festive fixture bonanza begins tonight at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Newcastle United.

The 20:00 GMT kick-off not only gets Gameweek 18 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) underway but also begins a run of 40 Premier League matches in 14 days.

TEAM NEWS

How will United get on without Bruno Fernandes? This is the first time he’s been absent from a league squad in almost exactly a year, with his last missed match ironically being Newcastle at home in December 2024. The Red Devils lost 2-0.

He’s injured and makes way from the line-up tonight but Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension to take his place.

Lisandro Martinez also comes in for his first United start in over 10 months. He replaces Leny Yoro in the only other alteration Ruben Amorim has made to the side beaten at Aston Villa.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are unchanged from the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last Saturday.

There’s no Anthony Elanga, who reportedly has an ankle injury.

Nick Pope does make his return after a month out with a groin issue but is only among the substitutes.

£4.4m FPL midfielder Lewis Miley continues at right-back.

LINE-UPS

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Mount, Cunha, Sesko.

Subs: Bayindir, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Fredricson, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Lacey, Mantato.

Newcastle United XI: Ramsdale, Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey, Jacob Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.

Subs: Pope, Joelinton, Wissa, Barnes, Willock, A Murphy, Shahar, Neave, Alabi.

price change predictions
948 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Gonna need Dorgu on FH now 😆

    Open Controls
  2. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Damn I had him in my starting team this season lol

    Open Controls
    1. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      That was nearly half a season ago, not sure you can claim that!

      Open Controls
      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        I had Dalot, very briefly, last season!

        Open Controls
    2. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Same, was rubbish ofc

      Open Controls
  3. z13
    • 1 Year
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Assist?

    Open Controls
    1. z13
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Dalot i think

      Open Controls
    2. Amartey Partey
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Woltemade

      Open Controls
      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Another error

        Open Controls
    3. Joyce1998
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Dalot

      Open Controls
  4. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Woltemade headers it away I thought, how is it a Dalot assist?

    Open Controls
    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Cross, and the clearance wasnt out of the box so he gets it. New rules this season.

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        No way can you argue Dalot was the intended target though lol

        Open Controls
        1. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          5 months, 6 days ago

          Like I said, new rules. Go read them..

          Open Controls
  5. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Cunha is lively and selfish (good for FPL)... but without Bruno, Mbeumo AND Amad hes really lacking attacking quality around him.

    Open Controls
  6. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    I frigging changed my bench order numerous times with Wilson in the starting XI and last minute put Minteh 1st sub ahead of Dalot second sub

    Open Controls
  7. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Already regretting the Gordon pick. Was the only choice at the price point to allow for Ekitike, but even if he does get a return here he’s not a long term pick, especially with the minutes issue.

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Burnley Leeds and Wolves in 3/4 after today’s game. Easy keep

      Open Controls
      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        If he actually plays half them

        Open Controls
  8. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Had Dorgu for ages and now he's playing OOP all of sudden lol ofc ofc

    Open Controls
  9. Manani
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    on FH,

    seems like
    3x LIV, MUN, MCI, NEW
    (minus 1 from one of the team)

    is the way to go right? just ignore arsenal for 1 week

    Open Controls
    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Bulk of City, United, Pool players & sprinkling of others.

      Also on FH will start playing over weekend.

      Open Controls
  10. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Have Wilson on the bench, Wilson will start and get a Hattie

    Open Controls
    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      No chance, blanks again

      Open Controls
  11. Nightcrawler
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    United already look less vulnerable without bruno

    Open Controls
    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      They look extremely toothless without

      Open Controls
      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        They’re gurning to get him back!

        Open Controls
      2. Nightcrawler
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        what game are u watching? its a good balance between defence and attack. none of the ridiculous leaving huge gaps in midfield with his zero positional awareness

        Open Controls
        1. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          5 months, 6 days ago

          Has nothing to do with Bruno and all about the formation. Your hate for Bruno is moronic, making up stuff to fit your agenda.

          Open Controls
          1. Nightcrawler
            • 7 Years
            5 months, 6 days ago

            oh dear clearly only watch football with an fpl lense. Bruno is not a CM

            Open Controls
            1. Brosstan
              • 11 Years
              5 months, 6 days ago

              Bruno is United's best player by far. Pretending that he is the issue with United and not the formation is moronic. Im pretty sure you know as well which makes your comments even more pathetic.

              Open Controls
              1. Nightcrawler
                • 7 Years
                5 months, 6 days ago

                bruno is not united's best player when he is playing CM, maybe if he starts playing as a 10..also trolls should not be name calling so nice one

                Open Controls
    2. Manani
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      it is more because of the formation change

      Open Controls
      1. Nightcrawler
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        u put bruno in there as cm and its bournemouth man united all over again

        Open Controls
  12. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Thiaw needs to run up the defcons or he's gone, regardless of the fixtures

    Open Controls
    1. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      We've just emailed his people, thanks

      Open Controls
      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Funny

        Open Controls
  13. Total Slotball
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    any lewis potter, dorgu owners? listed as defenders playing in attack lol

    Open Controls
    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      I wanted Lewis Potter but Bruno injury scuppered that plan

      Open Controls
    2. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Scenes, bro! Insane

      Open Controls
    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      I captained KLP this week 😀

      Open Controls
  14. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    I've -4 from 0 players so far

    Open Controls
    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Skill

      Rather than luck there

      Open Controls
  15. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    He is so selfish 😆

    Open Controls
  16. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Those worried about Cunha's returns without Bruno,Mbeumo, Amad forgot he scored 15 goals 7 assists last year with absolutely no quality around him

    Open Controls
    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      He was given a free role though, Amorim won’t do that for some reason

      Open Controls
      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        He's all over the pitch right now

        Open Controls
      2. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Absolutely this

        Open Controls
    2. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Not the same prospect in a united shirt, plus he had a knack of scoring some of the luckiest goals last year - I remember as a bitter non-owner when everyone else had him

      Open Controls
      1. have you seen cyan
        • 6 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Cunha on pens

        Open Controls
  17. Amartey Partey
    • 6 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Cunha is looking up for it!

    Open Controls
    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Plenty of effort, but not much quality

      Open Controls
    2. Four Letter Wirtz
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Shame he never looks up when a teammate is in better position

      Open Controls
  18. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Feign another hamstring injury there Ramsdale, Eddie needs another word

    Open Controls
  19. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Transferred in Jair Cunha by mistake. FFS!

    Open Controls
  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Come on Cunha, grab a goal my son

    Open Controls
  21. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Dorgu is having a blinder

    Open Controls
  22. have you seen cyan
    • 6 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Got FH to use, initial thoughts are something like this. Thoughts?
    Ramsdale
    Tark - Dalot - Dorgu - O’Reilly
    Palmer - Wirtz - Gordon - Cunha
    Haaland - Ekitike

    Pope, DCL, Cucu, Stach

    Open Controls
    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Haha love Dalot + Dorgu - I am stealing

      Open Controls
  23. RashFraud
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Dorgu is definitely the one to get for United. Playing OOP with the AFCON absences, may even get some defcons, decent fixtures, only 4.1 and can be benched if needed

    Open Controls
    1. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      5th yellow loading...

      Open Controls
      1. RashFraud
        • 9 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Only 1 game to worry about if he behaves tonight

        Open Controls
      2. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Oh damn he's on 4 🙁

        Open Controls
    2. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      You are an eager newshound, do you have any other exclusives you can bring us after they have happened?

      Open Controls
  24. NZREDS
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Dorgu having a good game

    Open Controls
    1. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Bro, insight!

      Open Controls
      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 2 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        You tell him sister

        Open Controls
  25. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    5'6 Martinez winning headers against 6'6 Woltemade

    Open Controls
    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Aggression: Martinez 20 vs Woltemade 1

      Open Controls
  26. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    That's a great finish from Dorgu

    Likes coming off the right, with his left foot

    Apparently

    Open Controls
  27. Utopsis
    • 6 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Dalot + Dorgu on FH19 vs Wolves - what could go wrong!

    Open Controls
    1. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Everything

      Like a Arkodore goal

      Open Controls
      1. Utopsis
        • 6 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        This is the way

        Open Controls
  28. The Night Trunker.
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Set up perfectly for a 1-3 Newcastle win here.
    Get your pennies on.

    Open Controls
  29. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Liking my GW 19 team 😎

    Areola
    NOR - Van den Berg - Andersen
    Saka - Palmer - Foden - Cunha
    Haaland - Ekitike - Woltemade

    Dubravka - King - Gudmundsson - Reinildo

    0.2 m in the bank

    Open Controls
    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Powerhouse midfield - that's a nice team

      Open Controls
    2. Nightcrawler
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      palmer and woltemade will almost certainly be benched

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        No chance

        Early sub maybe

        Teams need points

        Open Controls
    3. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Score check - 100 from 5?

      Open Controls
    4. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      I dont. Weak defense when defenders are the best value in the game, just to fit in people like Saka who is worse than Rice at 3m more.

      Open Controls
    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Actually GW19 looks good for a lot of big scores, just need a few goals in the Arsenal vs Villa game and Cunha to do anything for a huge haul.

      Open Controls
      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        'Actually'? We're already onto it.

        Open Controls
  30. WVA
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 6 days ago

    Bruno G with 7 returns in a row until I got him

    Open Controls
    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      Ah so it was you, I got rid this week.

      Open Controls
      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        Yes apologies,

        Open Controls
    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 6 days ago

      But are you still OR, 3,500?

      Open Controls
      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        5 months, 6 days ago

        That was last season but more like 350
        This season I’ve only just got inside top 1m, not had one thing go my way

        Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.