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Nicky Butt has sharply criticized Christian Eriksen’s lackluster performance during Newcastle’s 4-1 demolition of Manchester United.
The 33-year-old Danish player was outpaced and overpowered by Newcastle’s commanding midfield, who took control in the second half after the score stood at 1-1 at the break.
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Alejandro Garnacho equalized after Sandro Tonali’s stunning opening strike at St James’ Park, but Manchester United never regained true control.
Harvey Barnes scored two goals in the second half, and Bruno Guimaraes added a fourth following a mistake from backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish keeper was introduced after Andre Onana was benched due to his own errors in the Europa League last Thursday.
However, Butt—who was spotted sitting next to Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and David Ginola during the game—did not shy away from his criticism.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Butt indicated that his former team appeared lackluster on Sunday, while pointing out a deficiency in athleticism within Ruben Amorim’s struggling squad.
The Treble winner stated: “It’s easy to sit back and issue apologies, but to me, if you step onto that football pitch, you must take action.”
“I didn’t expect Manchester United to win here. Newcastle are a superior team, boasting better individuals, greater athleticism, and more power and pace.”
“I’m baffled as to how Man United could step onto the football pitch and let this happen. I remember coming here [as a player] and losing 5-0, so it can certainly occur.
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“However, letting it happen is an entirely different issue; I didn’t see a single tackle or sign of aggression. There was no one confronting anyone else.
“You need to at least show that you won’t accept this situation without a fight.
Ruben Amorim expresses his disappointment after Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle
“They simply gave in and allowed themselves to be defeated far too easily. There was a complete lack of power or pace. It’s painful to watch.
“I see Christian Eriksen, once a top player, now unable to move or run. It’s ludicrous.”
Barnes delivered a superb performance on the wing, with Eriksen and surprising starter Victor Lindelof unable to make any notable contributions against him.
Roy Keane also criticized the Red Devils for being “physically and mentally weak” in the aftermath.
Keane reignited his feud with club captain Bruno Fernandes over a “meaningless” interview filled with “sound bites.”
Manchester United ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee impresses before injury but Onana’s replacement has a shocking performance
MANCHESTER UNITED’S worst-ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish with fewer than 56 points, marking their lowest-ever total in the Premier League.
They can only reach that high if they win ALL of their remaining six matches.
If they aren’t careful, they could even find themselves in 17th place—just one position above the relegation zone.
Another dismal performance reflected the poor campaign for United, as Newcastle sliced through their defense with ease in the second half.
Ruben Amorim benched goalkeeper Andre Onana after his poor performance against Lyon midweek.
However, his substitute, Altay Bayindir, also had a match to forget.
Sandro Tonali’s volley, a brace from Harvey Barnes, and a goal from Bruno Guimaraes canceled out Alejandro Garnacho’s strike.
Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the performances of the United players…
Newcastle has achieved the league double over United for the first time since 1930-31, with Jason Tindall managing the team in Eddie Howe’s absence.
United’s 14 league losses this season tie their record for the most defeats in a single Premier League campaign, having also lost 14 times last season.
They last endured a higher total of defeats in a top-flight season in 1989/90 (16 in 38 matches).
After remaining unbeaten with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Old Trafford, Amorim has now faced 10 Premier League losses since taking the helm.
Next, United will host Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final—potentially their last hope for qualifying for the Champions League.
Amorim’s team is currently tied 2-2 following two significant errors from goalkeeper Onana, while his altercation with Nemanja Matic continues to overshadow the tie.
