Newcastle United made history at Old Trafford, defeating Manchester United 2-0 in a match that showed the shallowness of Ruben Amorim's team. This victory not only secured a fourth successive win in the Premier League for the Magpies but also deepened the crisis of the Red Devils, who are undergoing one of the worst moments of their recent history.
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Alexander Isak and Joelinton sealed the win with first-half headers as United ended the year in 14th place - their worst position at this stage of the calendar since 1989.
Aerial dominance told in the end
There were just four minutes on the clock when Newcastle made it plain intent to tear down any such barriers; Isak converts a great cross by Lewis Hall and gets his 12th of the season as Newcastle comes forward with pace. A lightning, incisive blow, leaving United gasping in its wake.
Shortly after, Joelinton added to the tally. The Brazilian outjumped United’s defense to score his fourth goal of the campaign. Two headers in less than 20 minutes, and Newcastle was already in firm control of the game.
The Magpies’ consistency
This victory keeps Newcastle in fifth place with 32 points, solidifying their excellent form. Eddie Howe’s team is showing a consistency that seemed unattainable at the start of the season. We were on the end of those early concessions at the start of the season, and it makes such a big difference to reverse that. We'd given ourselves mountains to climb at times, certainly away from home, so that's been great in the recent matches. These goals helped gain momentum and build confidence, and thereafter, we simply did not look back," Howe shared with emphasis.
Howe also praised Isak, who scored eight times in December, a record by any player in the Premier League during that period. "He's been fantastic. His all-around game is very strong, but most importantly, he knows how to be in the right place at the right time to score," he said.
Manchester United's downfall
While Newcastle is rejoicing, Manchester United are having a nightmare. Defeat for the Red Devils means they have lost four successive matches, including three in a row at home, for the first time since the 1978/79 campaign. The stats are mind-boggling: 18 goals conceded this month, the highest since March 1964.
Ruben Amorim didn't hide frustration after the game. "It's very difficult. This is one of the worst moments in the history of our club, and we have to accept it. Another loss in front of our fans," he lamented.
He has also pointed out the fact of working difficulties of his philosophy "Right now, it is really difficult to turn it around on the results because we have not much time to train the basics of how we want to play. On top, when you are in that situation, you need it as something to hold on.".
Amorim admitted his team's fragility at the back and a lack of effectiveness in front. "Yes, we're , but in some moments, we also had chances to score and didn't, and that makes a difference too."
Table implications and the road ahead
As for United, the outlook is grim: just 22 points and precariously close to the relegation zone is something unthinkable for a club of that stature. What looked to be a season full of promise has slowly started to unravel under the weight of expectation.
Meanwhile, Newcastle stay right in the running for the Champions League spot. Newcastle stands only three points from Chelsea in fourth place and that flow they have right now gives a strong advantage to the coming tasks.
The numbers of Newcastle end
This away win means that Newcastle have won only their third in 57 visits to Old Trafford, repeating the historic feats of the 1971/72 and 2013/14 seasons. Moreover, the eight goals by Isak this month make him the second Newcastle player to reach that figure in a single month, matching Callum Wilson's record from April 2023.
With this win, the Magpies move a step closer to Chelsea, staying three points away from fourth place.