Reported by Olatunji Olajide
Newcastle United claimed a rare 2-0 league win at Old Trafford, handing Manchester United their third consecutive home defeat for the first time in 45 years. Early strikes from Alexander Isak and Joelinton secured a commanding victory for Eddie Howe’s men, who now sit fifth in the Premier League after an impressive end to 2024.
Isak, in scintillating form, netted his 12th league goal and has scored eight in his last six matches.
For Manchester United, the loss marked another dismal chapter in a turbulent season. Not since September 1962, under Sir Matt Busby, have the Red Devils lost five league games in a single calendar month.
Head coach Ruben Amorim’s decision to pair veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield backfired, prompting an early substitution in the 33rd minute as Joshua Zirkzee made way for Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite United’s struggles, Amorim declined to bring on Marcus Rashford, who was reinstated to the bench.
United now sit 14th in the table, a precarious seven points above the relegation zone, with a daunting trip to league leaders Liverpool looming on Sunday.
For Newcastle, the win capped a stellar run of four consecutive league victories, underscoring their credentials as top-four contenders.
