Newcastle United inflicted a historic defeat on Manchester United at Old Trafford, winning a league game there for only the second time since 1972.
This victory compounded United’s woes, marking their third consecutive home loss – a dismal streak not seen in 45 years.
The defeat also means Manchester United have lost six games across all competitions in a single calendar month for only the third time during the club’s existence.
Alexander Isak and Joelinton struck early, securing a well-deserved win for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side, who finish 2024 impressively in fifth place. Newcastle’s Premier League winning streak now stands at four games, with Isak’s prolific form continuing – he has now scored 12 goals this season, including eight in his last six appearances, with goals in six consecutive games.
In stark contrast, Manchester United delivered an abysmal performance. Their last run of three consecutive home league defeats was in 1979. Underlining the tactical missteps, head coach Ruben Amorim substituted Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute, acknowledging the failure of his starting midfield pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Despite recalling Marcus Rashford to the substitutes’ bench, Amorim chose not to introduce him even as the team slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, failing to score for the third game running.
United now sit 14th in the league, just seven points above the relegation zone. The once lighthearted talk of a relegation battle is becoming a serious concern, especially with a daunting fixture against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday looming.