Manchester United and Ruben Amorim are still not getting off to a flying start. Against Newcastle United, the Red Devils conceded their fourth defeat in a row. In particular, a desolate opening phase made the difference in the 0-2 defeat.
Manchester United had last lost three times in a row, most recently 2-0 in Wolverhampton. By comparison, coach Ruben Amorim made four changes: Yoro, Mainoo (both on the bench), Ugarte (suspended for collecting yellow cards) and Bruno Fernandes (suspended for collecting yellow and red cards) were all missing. Instead, de Ligt, Eriksen, Casemiro and Zirkzee started. In addition, Rashford was back in the squad after missing the last three. The visitors, who have celebrated four wins in a row in all competitions, kept the same starting lineup after beating Aston Villa 3-0.
ManUnited were well served
The self-confident Isak was one of them, who continued his run after less than four minutes and scored in his sixth consecutive Premier League game.
His header from Hall’s cross was, however, also preceded by some extremely poor defending from the home side. The pace of the game did not change: the Magpies remained dominant, while the uncertainty of ManUnited was plain to see.
Joelinton (11th), Gordon (14th) and Isak (17th), who miserably lobbed the ball into Onana’s arms, missed further chances. Joelinton did better just two minutes later, when he scored the 2-0 with a header after a cross from Gordon (19th).
Mainoos substitution bears fruit
Anyone who thought things would get better from the home side’s point of view was initially disappointed, with ManUnited really rattled and unable to get a foothold on the pitch.
Isak’s powerful shot rang the net again, but was correctly disallowed for offside (30′). Two minutes later, the Red Devils could also count themselves lucky when Tonali hit the post from four meters out after a combination that was far too easy (32′). Ruben Amorim, who was visibly frustrated at times, reacted and brought on Mainoo for the visibly dejected Zirkzee – he had remained pale, but you could just as easily have substituted someone else for the desolate Red Devils.
The English youngster Mainoo at least brought a breath of fresh air into the game and also initiated the best phase of the hosts, who had two good chances to catch up before half-time through Höjlund (34′) and Casemiro (45’+2), who did not take advantage of a big mistake by Schär.
Maguire and Yoro miss the connection
The Red Devils also showed a completely different face after the break. Even though it wasn’t particularly dangerous at first, at least the will was recognizable, which was also honored by the spectators. In minute 59, Maguire even had a great chance to get back to 2-1, but his header from Diogo Dalot’s cross only hit the post.
Newcastle then stepped up a gear again, but had no more significant chances. The home side, on the other hand, had substitute Yoro head just centimeters wide of goal after a corner (74). Not much more happened, though, as the game petered out in the final phase.
ManUnited ultimately conceded their fourth defeat in a row – the desolate first half hour was the main factor in this game. Newcastle, on the other hand, defended fifth place and, thanks to Chelsea’s defeat in Ipswich, is right in touch with the CL places. At the same time, it was only the second away win at Old Trafford for the Magpies since 2013.
The task for ManUnited in their next game on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) will not be any easier, as they face an away game at league leaders Liverpool. Newcastle, on the other hand, will be guests at Tottenham Hotspur as early as Saturday (1:30 p.m.).
