I asked AI to predict Newcastle United v Manchester United - and here's the final result

Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park playing out. Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society. Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction.

Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results. So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United take on Manchester United in the Premier League at St James’ Park looking to make it a five wins in a row in all competitions. And here’s what it said.

Newcastle United v Manchester United: The form guide

It says: “Newcastle United have been a strong force at home this season, bolstered by their passionate crowd and a dynamic, high-pressing style under Eddie Howe. They’ve shown consistency, sitting in 7th place with 50 points from 29 matches as of early April 2025, per available data. Their recent form includes a convincing 3-0 win over Leicester City, with players like Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes contributing early goals.

“Alexander Isak, their star striker, has been in scintillating form, scoring prolifically—eight goals in December 2024 alone—and averaging 1.4 shots on target per match. Newcastle’s home record is impressive, with 8 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses in the season so far, and they’ve historically troubled Manchester United at St. James’ Park, winning two of their last three home league games against them.”

On the visitors, it adds: “Manchester United, in contrast, have struggled for consistency under Ruben Amorim, languishing in 13th place with 38 points from 31 matches. Their season has been marked by defensive frailties and an inability to convert chances, as evidenced by their five losses in six league games by late December 2024.

“However, they’ve shown resilience in patches, particularly on the road, where they’ve won five consecutive Premier League away matches earlier in the campaign, scoring at least twice each time. Key players like Bruno Fernandes (suspended for their last Newcastle clash in December 2024) and Rasmus Hojlund will be pivotal, but injuries and suspensions have disrupted their rhythm. Their recent 2-0 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford highlighted vulnerabilities, with both goals conceded from headers exposing poor marking.

Newcastle United v Manchester United: The statistics and head-to-head

I think without even looking too deeply in to this, Man United’s dominance of football in the early stages of the Premier League era would put them favourites - but is Grok swayed by this? It says: “Head-to-head statistics favor Manchester United historically, with 19 wins to Newcastle’s 8 in their last 34 meetings, but recent encounters suggest a shift. Newcastle have won three of the last four competitive matches against United since February 2023, including a 2-0 victory in December 2024.”

Newcastle United v Manchester United: The prediction

With all of that taken into account, the bit you’re all waiting for is finally here. We can all have our own thoughts and predictions about how this traditionally white hot match will play out - but here is Grok’s.

“The Magpies’ defensive solidity contrasts with United’s tendency to concede, having shipped 18 goals in December 2024 alone. Given these factors, Newcastle’s current momentum and home advantage likely give them the edge. Their attacking threat, led by Isak, should exploit United’s shaky backline, while their pressing could stifle United’s midfield creativity.

“Manchester United might find the net—seven of their last eight home league games featured over 2.5 goals, suggesting they can score—but their defensive issues may prove costly. A plausible scoreline, aligning with trends and expert predictions is Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester United. Isak seems a strong candidate to score, possibly assisted by Anthony Gordon, while Hojlund could grab a consolation for United. The match is unlikely to be a blowout, but Newcastle’s form and St. James’ Park fortress should tip the scales.”