Manchester United’s Premier League misery deepened on Sunday as they were humbled 4-1 by a rampant Newcastle United side at St. James’ Park.
Head coach Ruben Amorim, already under fire, watched helplessly as his side was outclassed in every department.
The Magpies, flying high after a dominant 3-0 win over Leicester, carried their form into this clash. Despite an early disallowed goal, they asserted control through a fluid front three of Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Harvey Barnes.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a sublime volley after Isak’s deft setup, but United briefly responded through Alejandro Garnacho, who finished a rare counterattack initiated by Diogo Dalot.
However, that flicker of hope was quickly extinguished. Murphy and Livramento combined brilliantly to set up Barnes for Newcastle’s second. Garnacho’s goal would be United’s only highlight as Zirkzee limped off injured, further compounding their woes.
Barnes struck again with a clinical finish after a defensive slip, before Bruno Guimaraes capitalized on a catastrophic Bayindir error to make it four. United were overwhelmed, registering their first league double defeat to Newcastle in 93 years.
Amorim’s decision to rest key players for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon backfired, as United now languish in 14th place – far adrift of European qualification via the league.
With their season hanging by a thread, Amorim must now rally his troops for a do-or-die clash in Europe. Otherwise, United’s already grim campaign may sink to historic lows.
