Joelinton and Alexander Isak of Newcastle both scored goals in the first 19 minutes as the Magpies won five straight games to move up to fifth place.
Manchester United lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday, their fourth straight loss. Joelinton and Alexander Isak’s goals sealed the Red Devils’ miserable 2024 season and put more strain on manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim said last week, just two months into his position, that until things start to get better, his job is in jeopardy.
With just two victories in his first nine league games, the Portuguese has left United sagging in 14th place, seven points above the relegation zone.
Joelinton and Alexander Isak both scored goals in the first 19 minutes as the Magpies won for the seventh time in a row.
In the first half, Amorim watched in horror as Newcastle attacked the home team whenever they wanted.
Isak scored for the sixth straight Premier League game just over three minutes into the encounter when he was given a chance inside the six-yard box to head in Lewis Hall’s cross.
The Newcastle midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton easily outplayed the aging Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, so United missed the absence of suspended captain Bruno Fernandes.
Isak missed a great opportunity to double the lead for the visitors when he attempted a dink over Andre Onana. The Swedish striker also had a goal disallowed for offside.
However, Newcastle’s second goal was inevitable, and it came as Joelinton rushed in to meet a cross from Anthony Gordon.
After just 33 minutes, Amorim responded by substituting Kobbie Mainoo for Joshua Zirkzee, a move that was cheered by the irate Old Trafford supporters.
After a superb Newcastle move through the center of the United defense, Tonali could have made it 3-0 when he struck the post.
But before halftime, Eddie Howe’s team almost gave the Red Devils a way back into the match.
With only Martin Dubravka to beat, Rasmus Hojlund had a fantastic opportunity to score back but missed it.
Then, when Fabian Schar gave Mainoo possession, Casemiro blew an even better chance.
Amorim’s motivational speech at halftime at least generated some reaction, as United started the second half much more strongly.
Hall stopped De Ligt’s goalbound follow-up attempt after Harry Maguire’s header bounced off the post.
Despite being back in the United lineup for the first time in five games, Marcus Rashford spent the entire ninety minutes on the bench as Amorim looked to Alejandro Garnacho, another outcast, to help.
However, Newcastle had already recovered from the storm and was starting to regain control when the Argentine international was brought on.
The most recent in a string of regrettable figures that have characterized United’s decade of decline is a third straight home league loss, the first since 1979.
Amorim is afraid that the losing streak will likely last until 2025.
On Sunday, United will travel to Arsenal for the FA Cup third round, followed by a difficult journey to league leaders Liverpool.
