15 players could miss Man United vs Newcastle as injury issues deepen

Manchester United host Newcastle on Boxing Day with the Red Devil is having the chance to move to fifth in the Premier League table

Manchester United and Newcastle are both in the midst of an injury crisis ahead of the Boxing Day clash at Old Trafford later this week. The Reds have the chance to move fifth in the Premier League if they can beat Eddie Howe's side on Friday night.

Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are both missing. The Dutchman has an issue with his lower back which United are treading carefully with. As for Maguire, he picked up an issue in the draw with Tottenham and has not featured for the Reds since. Neither defender travelled to Aston Villa and it remains to be seen if they will be back Boxing Day.

Bruno Fernandes is sidelined though having suffered a soft tissue injury in the defeat to Villa. The captain is looking likely to be out for a considerable period of time but a full update will be given during Amorim's Christmas Eve press conference.

His likely replacement in the starting XI, Kobbie Mainoo, will likely not be available for the fixture either. The midfielder picked up a calf problem in the last training session before Villa and is being assessed before the Newcastle visit. If United's absentees look bad, the Magpies' are potential worse.

Emile Krafth and Kieran Trippier are set to be back in contention around New Year's Day with knee and thigh issues respectively. Dan Burn is a long-term absentee having injured his ribs and lung during the defeat to fierce rivals Sunderland.

Tino Livramento suffered a knee injury prior to their draw with Chelsea at the weekend and is out of the Boxing Day trip. Sven Botman is believed to be recovering 'well' according to boss Howe but his return date has not been set as of yet.

William Osula was thought to have only a small issue but has not played since a 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the start of November. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles has played only a handful of minutes this season and was last on the bench in November vs Brentford.

He has a muscular issue and is likely to be out again for the trip to Manchester. The only player with a chance of overcoming his injury is Nick Pope who is expected to train on Tuesday and could make the bench at least vs United.