Following the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Magpies head coach Howe has opted not to make any alterations to his starting line-up, with the only difference in the squad being the return of Tino Livramento, who replaces Matt Targett among the substitutes for Newcastle's final outing of 2024.

That means Martin Dúbravka will start in goal at Old Trafford, where he spent time on loan in the 2022/23 campaign, with Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall at the back.

Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton will play either side of Sandro Tonali in the middle of the park as part of United's in-form midfield triumvirate, with the similarly on-song Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak forming a three-pronged frontline.

Livramento is back on the bench along with Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock.

There are attacking options, too, in the shape of Miguel Almirón, Harvey Barnes and Will Osula. Odysseas Vlachodimos is the substitute goalkeeper.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Kieran Trippier; Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Substitutes: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, Miguel Almirón, Harvey Barnes, Will Osula.