Newcastle defeats Manchester United, bolsters European hopes

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United suffered a third straight Premier League defeat as in-form Newcastle bolstered their European hopes with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Alexander Isak’s early header was followed by Joelinton’s goal in the 19th minute.

The only surprise was that a dismal first-half performance from United was not punished further as they lost a third consecutive home league game for the first time since 1979.

The hosts, without the suspended Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, improved after the break.

However, a fourth straight defeat in all competitions – and fifth league defeat in December – will not fill them with much confidence before Sunday’s trip to face Liverpool at Anfield as they remain 14th.

Marcus Rashford returned to the bench after missing the last four matchday squads amid uncertainty regarding his future at United.

Despite his presence, head coach Amorim did not call upon Rashford, even as his team struggled to threaten Newcastle.

Newcastle’s fourth straight league win gave Eddie Howe his first league success at Old Trafford in eight attempts and lifted the Magpies to fifth in the table.

Having scored in the opening minute of their 4-0 win at Ipswich nine days ago and in the second minute of the 3-0 Boxing Day win over Aston Villa, Newcastle needed four minutes to find the net here.

Lewis Hall’s cross spooned up off Noussair Mazraoui’s outstretched leg.

It was all too easy for Isak to get between Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and head home, becoming the second Newcastle player to score in six consecutive Premier League games after Papiss Cisse in 2012.

United never settled, the ageing legs of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen unable to keep pace with Newcastle, who threatened again when Anthony Gordon skinned Mazraoui to cut inside, Joelinton flashing a shot wide.

A rare United attack in the 17th minute actually ended in a glorious chance for Newcastle.

Joelinton dispossessed Eriksen near the Newcastle box and swiftly sent the ball forward for Isak to chase.

However, Isak miscalculated his finish, attempting to chip it over Andre Onana but failing to connect properly.

Despite this miss, Newcastle doubled their lead in the 19th minute due to more poor defending from United.

Joelinton outmuscled Martinez to head in Gordon’s cross from close range, making it 2-0.

Around the half-hour mark, Isak struck a powerful shot from an angle, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The flag went up belatedly, denying Newcastle a third goal despite their dominant performance.

Just two minutes later, Sandro Tonali had a golden opportunity but inadvertently hit the post instead of scoring.

Newcastle continued to carve through United’s defense, creating more chances and putting pressure on their opponents.

Amorim recognized his lineup error, substituting Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute.

This change drew ironic cheers from the Old Trafford crowd, reflecting their frustration with United’s performance.

Following the substitution, United appeared more energized, and Martinez found Rasmus Hojlund making a run.

Unfortunately, Hojlund shot across the goal and missed the target, failing to capitalize on the opportunity.

In first-half stoppage time, a poor pass from Fabian Schar handed United another chance to score.

However, Casemiro wasted the opportunity, scooping the ball wide despite having ample time and space to find the net.

United finished the first half without a shot on target and lucky the score-line was only 2-0.

They began the second half with more purpose, driving at Newcastle and building some pressure.

Mainoo saw a shot blocked before Maguire headed Diogo Dalot’s cross against a post just before the hour mark.

Alejandro Garnacho and Leny Yoro came on for Casemiro and Martinez during the match.

In the 74th minute, Yoro had a corner and headed narrowly wide.

United struggled to challenge their former goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka.

Marcus Rashford observed the game from the touchline without contributing on the field.

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