A surprising prediction has emerged ahead of the highly anticipated Premier League showdown between Manchester United and Newcastle United, scheduled for Saturday night (27 December 2025 WIB) at Old Trafford. Former Chelsea striker and respected pundit Chris Sutton has backed the visitors to pull off an unexpected victory in what promises to be a tense Boxing Day encounter.
This fixture stands as the sole Premier League match on the day, placing it firmly under the spotlight. While Manchester United enter the contest as favorites on paper, Sutton believes Newcastle United possess a crucial edge that could prove decisive under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams.
Sutton Backs Newcastle Despite United’s Home Advantage
Sutton’s stance has raised eyebrows across the football community, particularly among Manchester United supporters. The Red Devils currently sit three points and four places above Newcastle in the league table, and Old Trafford has traditionally been a daunting venue for visiting sides.
However, Sutton argues that circumstances surrounding the match tilt the balance in favor of the Magpies. He points to Manchester United’s reduced squad depth due to several key players being unavailable after departing for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Manchester United may be above Newcastle in the standings, but they are missing important players because of AFCON,” Sutton explained. “When you look at the squads available for this match, I genuinely think Newcastle United have the stronger group.”
Manchester United’s Big-Spending Summer Under Scrutiny
Manchester United’s aggressive transfer activity last summer was expected to propel them into genuine title contention. Under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, the club invested heavily to reinforce multiple areas of the squad.
High-profile arrivals such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko generated significant excitement. Sesko’s signing, in particular, attracted attention after he reportedly turned down interest from Newcastle United to complete a move to Old Trafford.
Despite these additions, Sutton believes that the overall balance of the squad has been compromised by absences at a crucial point in the season. The lack of available depth, especially in midfield and defense, could leave United vulnerable against a disciplined and physically imposing Newcastle side.
Newcastle’s Squad Depth Impresses the Pundits
From Sutton’s perspective, Newcastle United’s strength lies in their squad cohesion and tactical clarity under Eddie Howe. While they may not boast the same star power as Manchester United, the Magpies are widely praised for their structure, work rate, and collective mentality.
Players such as Bruno Guimarães remain central to Newcastle’s identity, providing control and intensity in midfield. Sutton believes that this stability could be the decisive factor in a tight contest, particularly against a United side still adapting to Amorim’s system.
Score Prediction: A Low-Scoring Affair at Old Trafford
Newcastle travel to Manchester carrying mixed momentum. They were left frustrated last weekend after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic draw against Chelsea, a result that exposed both their attacking potential and defensive lapses.
Their away form this season has also been inconsistent, with just one win from eight league matches on the road. Yet Sutton remains confident that this particular fixture suits Newcastle’s strengths.
“I don’t see many goals in this game,” Sutton said. “It could be very tight, and Newcastle might only need one goal to win it. I’m backing Eddie Howe’s side for a 1-0 victory.”
Boxing Day Curse Looms Over Newcastle
Despite Sutton’s confidence, history presents a daunting challenge for Newcastle United. The club holds an unenviable record on Boxing Day, having suffered more defeats on 26–27 December than any other team in English top-flight history.
In total, Newcastle have lost 47 Boxing Day matches, and recent statistics offer little encouragement. They have managed just two wins in their last 11 league games played immediately after Christmas.
Combined with their poor away record this season, Sutton’s prediction represents a significant gamble. Breaking both their Boxing Day curse and their struggles on the road would require a near-perfect performance from the Magpies.
A Defining Night for Both Sides
As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on Old Trafford. For Manchester United, the match offers a chance to silence doubters and reinforce their top-four credentials despite ongoing squad disruptions. For Newcastle United, it is an opportunity to make a statement and potentially rewrite an unfavorable chapter of their history.
Whether Sutton’s bold forecast proves accurate or not, one thing is certain: Manchester United vs Newcastle United promises drama, tension, and high stakes in a festive Premier League showdown that could have lasting implications for both clubs’ seasons.
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