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Man Utd v Newcastle team news: Martinez starts

26 December 2025 947 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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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
947 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    19 hours, 22 mins ago

    Going Cunha over Writz what I was thinking lol

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    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      19 hours, 22 mins ago

      Points

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      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        19 hours, 21 mins ago

        Rather pints but I was sober

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    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      19 hours, 13 mins ago

      It’s a close call. I went Wirtz, but if I’d gone Cunha, it wasn’t for today but the subsequent fixtures

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    3. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      19 hours, 8 mins ago

      Yikes! Glad I chose Florian over him

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  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    19 hours, 22 mins ago

    Cunha diving in after a yellow. He’s lost it

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  3. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    19 hours, 22 mins ago

    Well done Cunha with the YC

    Love it as a non owner

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  4. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    19 hours, 21 mins ago

    Bottomed

    Owned Dorgu from GW 2 to GW 9 for a massive 2 points

    Go figure 🙄

    I ordered I pizza at 3:22 am to compensate

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    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      19 hours, 20 mins ago

      I started this season with Dorgu in my team

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      1. Utopsis
        • 5 Years
        19 hours, 19 mins ago

        I had Dorgu for 3 weeks in 23/24

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        1. Utopsis
          • 5 Years
          19 hours, 19 mins ago

          Dalot*

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        2. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          19 hours, 19 mins ago

          Kept for 9 gameweeks!

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    2. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      19 hours, 20 mins ago

      Keep us informed mate, always look forward to it.

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      1. pundit of punts
        • 12 Years
        19 hours, 15 mins ago

        Thanks for stalking

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        1. The Night Trunker.
          • 2 Years
          19 hours, 12 mins ago

          It's terrible when the stalked keeps turning up at your home.
          I'm well scared.

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          1. chocolove
            • 15 Years
            19 hours, 9 mins ago

            And keep showing you his lil weeny

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        2. chocolove
          • 15 Years
          19 hours, 10 mins ago

          Stalking, lol. Youre running naked here often

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    3. Captain Mal
      • 1 Year
      19 hours, 20 mins ago

      So now you're doing score checks for past weeks, too?

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      1. pundit of punts
        • 12 Years
        19 hours, 15 mins ago

        Posting my bad calls

        And guess what you guys have no comebacks

        Trying weak a s s replies

        Lol

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    4. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      19 hours, 17 mins ago

      I had Dalot briefly last season.

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      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        19 hours, 15 mins ago

        2nd sub here behind Minteh… Will in the XI

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    5. Blueberg
      • 10 Years
      19 hours, 10 mins ago

      Dorgu first on my bench...

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  5. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    19 hours, 20 mins ago

    Benched Shaw and played Cu ha in draft league 😎

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 14 mins ago

      Really scraping the barrel for “brags” here, have some shame

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      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        19 hours, 12 mins ago

        Fan service!

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  6. F4L
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 20 mins ago

    for all Newcastle's pressure, United lowkey still had the 2 best chances of the half with sesko and dalot

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 10 mins ago

      That just highlights how deep in the trenches we really are

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  7. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    19 hours, 20 mins ago

    Gordon's crossing has been shocking

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    1. Utopsis
      • 5 Years
      19 hours, 19 mins ago

      Yeah he's been woeful today

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      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 13 Years
        19 hours, 18 mins ago

        Worst player on the pitch

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  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    19 hours, 18 mins ago

    Lucky the whistle went there

    Cunha red was incoming as he blocked the throw

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    1. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 16 mins ago

      It was given to utd anyway

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    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      19 hours, 15 mins ago

      It was a Utd throw

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  9. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 18 mins ago

    If this finishes as is, Lateriser is going to claim every last bit of credit he can for owning Dorgu at some point in the season.

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    1. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      19 hours, 17 mins ago

      I can as well

      Probably more than him

      GW 2 WC pick and he did f u c k all

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  10. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    19 hours, 18 mins ago

    Newcastle are so bad on the road

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    1. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      19 hours, 17 mins ago

      I’m surprised they’re keeping their faith in Howe

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  11. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    19 hours, 18 mins ago

    Dorgu mega haul!

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  12. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 18 mins ago

    How is Zirkzee a PL footballer. This guy has 0 qualities. Big guy whos weak, no technique, slow, comes on in 60th minutes and looks knackered at 80.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      19 hours, 16 mins ago

      He’s a moron too?

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      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        19 hours, 15 mins ago

        Who, Brossan?

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      2. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        19 hours, 12 mins ago

        He seems like he doesnt care. Never puts in any effort. Not sure Id classify him as a moron. Cunha is more of a moron.

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    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      19 hours, 16 mins ago

      Agree

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  13. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    19 hours, 17 mins ago

    So damaging for Howe that result. Get Wolt and Wissa up top and go for it. So rigid.

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    1. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      19 hours, 16 mins ago

      Unbelievable tbh. Hurts me and my team.

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    2. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 12 Years
      19 hours, 9 mins ago

      Patience is running thin. United were playing their second team with academy players. Newcastle had a fully fit squad but never really tested the GK all game.
      Newcastle are terrible away from home and keep dropping points at home. But Howe has a bit of credit in the bank for now. January window is important then he has to start getting results

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  14. chocolove
    • 15 Years
    19 hours, 17 mins ago

    Dogu reached 10 dc

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    1. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 15 mins ago

      17 pointer.

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  15. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    19 hours, 17 mins ago

    I've waited a long time for this!Lammens you beauty!

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    1. Utopsis
      • 5 Years
      19 hours, 13 mins ago

      Hahaha you deserve it

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  16. F4L
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 17 mins ago

    amorim needs to find an attacking solution now without mount before wolves. will be tough

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    1. chocolove
      • 15 Years
      19 hours, 13 mins ago

      Cunha Zirkzee Sesko trio, oh my...

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      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        19 hours, 12 mins ago

        Dorgu will start RW again surely

        Cunha, Sesko, Dorgu

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        1. chocolove
          • 15 Years
          19 hours, 8 mins ago

          AM spot is missing

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  17. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    19 hours, 17 mins ago

    Wow, Newcastle are well poo

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  18. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    19 hours, 16 mins ago

    Cunha involved in post match celebrations

    Thanks for nothing

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  19. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    19 hours, 16 mins ago

    Buzzin. Very unglamorous but extremely satisfying victory

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    1. Zilla
      • 8 Years
      19 hours, 15 mins ago

      Ye need some of those

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  20. brianutd-why always we? 20
    • 14 Years
    19 hours, 16 mins ago

    Good win for a poor outfit…I’ll take the points

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  21. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    19 hours, 16 mins ago

    Well, Cunha was a failure.

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    1. Utopsis
      • 5 Years
      19 hours, 12 mins ago

      You were expecting a haul vs Newcastle?

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  22. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    19 hours, 16 mins ago

    Cunha to miraculously jump to 12 def cons later cuz some people got him

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  23. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    19 hours, 15 mins ago

    Felt lile Amorim was trying to throw the game with those changes. Have to ask serious questions of Newcastle not being able to create anything serious there.

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  24. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 13 Years
    19 hours, 15 mins ago

    Cunha non owner here. Is it safe to get out from behind the sofa now?

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    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      19 hours, 15 mins ago

      Very!

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    2. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 14 mins ago

      He did almost nothing today.

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    3. Utopsis
      • 5 Years
      19 hours, 12 mins ago

      Hattrick vs Wolves loading

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  25. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    19 hours, 15 mins ago

    I probably got over getting any Newcastle for the upcoming weeks…

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    1. chocolove
      • 15 Years
      19 hours, 14 mins ago

      Its burnley

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  26. x.jim.x
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 15 mins ago

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27471539

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    1. Mother Farke
      • 1 Year
      19 hours, 13 mins ago

      You're trolling Milhouse.

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      1. x.jim.x
        • 11 Years
        19 hours, 12 mins ago

        This is what it feels like when doves cry

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        1. Bennerman
          • 7 Years
          19 hours, 10 mins ago

          Are you meant to be referencing the terrace song?

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          1. x.jim.x
            • 11 Years
            19 hours, 8 mins ago

            Nah quote from some cartoon about yellow people, you probably haven’t heard of it

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            1. Bennerman
              • 7 Years
              19 hours, 7 mins ago

              Okay...

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              1. Bennerman
                • 7 Years
                19 hours, 6 mins ago

                Ah right, think I am on board

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                1. Bennerman
                  • 7 Years
                  19 hours, 5 mins ago

                  Despite your aggression

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  27. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    19 hours, 14 mins ago

    FH19, fixtures suggest ManU & Newcastle players, but after this display who would you pick?

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    1. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      19 hours, 11 mins ago

      None. Wouldn’t even consider regardless of fixtures

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    2. chocolove
      • 15 Years
      19 hours, 6 mins ago

      One of each is good

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  28. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    19 hours, 14 mins ago

    Would you dump Wolte despite the good fixtures? 68 minutes today with Wissa waiting in the wings.

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    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      19 hours, 12 mins ago

      maybe howe starts them both like he did with wilson and isak for a little while. im not seeing newcastle's wingers doing enough goal scoring wise this season so howe needs to get as many goals in the starting xi as possible tbh

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    2. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      19 hours, 10 mins ago

      I would. He is minutes risk now.

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  29. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    19 hours, 12 mins ago

    Funny, I still own Cunha but didn't consider him in my FH team. Tsss.

    Well. At least I don't need to buy him back, and he didn't end up with a haul on my bench.

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    1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      19 hours, 11 mins ago

      I meant Dorgu. Ouch.

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      1. Utopsis
        • 5 Years
        19 hours, 9 mins ago

        Ouch indeed damn

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  30. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    19 hours, 12 mins ago

    Good game again from 3.8m Heaven
    More value in the Man Utd defence than the attackers!

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    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      19 hours, 10 mins ago

      It’s their second cs lol

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      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        18 hours, 59 mins ago

        Wolves next

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