Newcastle 2-0 Manchester United: Isak and Joelinton Secure Victory at Old Trafford, United Suffer Fourth Consecutive Defeat
Newcastle United defeated Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford, marking only their second league win there since 1972. The victory handed United their third straight home loss in all competitions, a feat not seen at the club since the 1962-63 season under Sir Matt Busby.
The early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton helped Eddie Howe’s Newcastle secure a deserved win, which pushed them to fifth place in the Premier League, closing 2024 on a high note. Isak, who scored his 12th goal of the season, has been in sensational form, netting eight goals in his last six matches, including six in consecutive games.
In stark contrast, Manchester United’s performance was lackluster. Head coach Ruben Amorim made a notable decision in the first half, substituting forward Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute, signaling dissatisfaction with his team’s tactics, especially after pairing Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield. Despite United’s poor performance, Amorim resisted bringing Marcus Rashford off the bench, even as his side slid to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, failing to score for the third game in a row.
Manchester United end the year in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone. With league leaders Liverpool awaiting them at Anfield on Sunday, the pressure is mounting.
Line-ups
Man Utd XI: Eriksen, Casemiro, Maguire, Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Dalot, Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Rasmus Højlund
Subs: Bayındır, Rashford, Malacia, Antony, Garnacho, Collyer, Mainoo, Yoro, Kukonki
Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, J. Murphy, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Isak, Tonali, Gordon, Hall
Subs: Vlachodimos, Almiron, Barnes, Kelly, Longstaff, Willock, Livramento, Osula, Miley