sportskeeda
RUBEN AMORIM predicted at the start of December that a ‘storm’ was approaching for Manchester United.
Yet, the new manager probably did not foresee the level of intensity that would come with his team suffering their fourth straight defeat.
7
7
7
7
7
As the clouds darken, concerns are escalating for the Portuguese coach, especially with tough away games looming against Liverpool and Arsenal.
This defeat sees the Red Devils perilously close to the Premier League’s relegation zone as the season reaches its midpoint.
The situation is severe enough that after this latest loss, Amorim admitted his team is in a relegation battle.
When questioned about the relegation risk, he remarked, “That is very clear. This is one of the most challenging periods in Manchester United’s history, and we must face it openly.”
The storm brewing now is as intense as the one that has pierced the Hogmanay celebrations across the way.
In the first half, the Red Devils were overpowered by Eddie Howe’s relentless Newcastle, who scored twice and had chances to score more.
Alexander Isak found the net for the sixth consecutive game in the Premier League, followed shortly by Joelinton with a nearly identical goal just 15 minutes later.
Howe’s side is currently on exceptional form, achieving only their second league victory at Old Trafford in 40 attempts.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
7
7
The dynamics changed only after Amorim exchanged the ineffective summer signing Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo, triggering a spark of rhythm in the home side.
However, by this point, it was already too late as the damage had been done.
Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed
The match began with Marcus Rashford’s return to the squad announced after 18 days since his last appearance for Man Utd.
Amorim was short on options with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended, yet surprisingly placed Rashford on the bench.
If the 27-year-old cannot secure a starting position in this United lineup, it signifies a worrying decline in his career trajectory.
Concerns surfaced prior to the match regarding the lack of pace in Amorim’s selections, and these apprehensions quickly became evident.
In fact, it took just under four minutes.
Bruno Guimaraes sent a pass to Lewis Hall on the left, who controlled it gracefully before delivering an expertly placed cross.
Isak exploited a gap between Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, evading marking entirely to nod the visitors ahead.
The Swede has now scored in six consecutive Premier League games, securing his place as only the second Newcastle player to do so.
VAR confirmed the full-back was onside, and Eddie Howe’s team took an early lead after previous strikes against Ipswich and Aston Villa.
They had evidently recognized the vulnerabilities of the home side.
Isak received a pass from Bruno and attempted a clever finish, yet ended up chipping the ball directly into Andre Onana’s grasp.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance stood out as the only silver lining in Manchester United’s fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle scored twice within the first 19 minutes, threatening to run up an embarrassing scoreline at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was quickly substituted after 30 minutes for struggling in a No10 position – yet Amorim’s side could not recover.
Here’s how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the performance of United players…
Andre Onana – 5
Had little chance with either goal and was hardly tested otherwise.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals originated down his flank as he failed to close down the crosses leading to Isak’s and Joelinton’s goals. However, he was proactive in possession and delivered several dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not commit errors on the goals but could be criticized for not organizing his defensive teammates effectively.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost track of Isak for the opener, distracted by ball watching, but almost made up for it with a diving header that hit the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A mismatch against Joelinton for the header, failed to mark Isak for the first goal, and was turned the wrong way as the cross was delivered.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Provided some much-needed stability on the left side and created a good chance with a cross for Maguire’s header.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal performance overall. Far off the required pace and struggled to complete passes. Missed a clear chance just before half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Equally ineffective in defense support as Casemiro, often outnumbered. Managed a few good passes but improved only after Mainoo’s introduction.
Amad Diallo – 4
Had a rough night against industrious opponents in Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall and was largely unproductive.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Had a miserable outing; his substitution was met with cheers from the crowd.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Starved of service but kept pushing and nearly scored with a shot that went just wide in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Created a notable difference after coming on, igniting play with his precise passing and setting up a great chance for Casemiro.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a significant opportunity from a corner but couldn’t direct his header accurately.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Failed to make a mark on the game and couldn’t take on his opposite number effectively.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Did not have sufficient time to impact the match.
Unfortunately for United, it was temporary. Newcastle soon found ample space in midfield to push the ball left.
This time, Anthony Gordon bypassed Noussair Mazrouai and crossed for Joelinton, who soared above Martinez to nod into the corner.
This was nearly a replica of the first goal, just 15 minutes later – the United defense showed no signs of adjustment.
United conceded 18 goals in December alone – their highest tally for a single month since 1964.
Amorim’s squad performed adrift, and Kieran Trippier exploited this effectively through multiple corners that were perilously close to goal.
Within just over a week, United conceded directly from corners twice, yet this time they managed to defend one.
Isak unleashed a powerful attempt into the top corner of Onana’s goal, and as relief washed over the home fans, it was determined offside.
Sandro Tonali exchanged passes with Gordon and struck the post when it seemed easier to score.
By the 33rd minute, Amorim had seen enough.
He replaced Zirkzee with Mainoo, trying to put an end to the relentless pressure.
This change drew mixed reactions from the audience, with cheers for the substitution contrasting with boos for Zirkzee’s exit.
It’s uncertain how he can regain his place, but similarly to the others, his performance was underwhelming.
This change perhaps lit a fire under the rest of the squad, as they came close to managing a goal before the half concluded.
A rare attacking move saw Hojlund advance down the left but fail to find the target as Dubravka went the wrong way.
A misplaced pass from Fabian Schar fell to Mainoo, who found Casemiro, but the Brazilian couldn’t finish.
Newcastle appeared to ease off slightly, possibly due to the match being heavily one-sided. Still, Howe will not chastise his team – his side has scored 13 goals in their last four games, conceding none, and a return to the Champions League looks likely for them.
The home side nearly equalized just before the hour mark, as Dalot’s cross found Maguire, who directed the ball onto the post.
Yet, even as United pressed for an equalizer, Rashford’s name was notably absent from the bench.
