Manchester United hit a new low as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions—their worst run since 1961. Despite the seemingly modest scoreline, the Red Devils’ shambolic first-half performance was one of their most woeful in Premier League history.

Newcastle took an early lead when Alexander Isak headed in a goal in the fourth minute, capitalizing on United’s passive defending. Joelinton followed up with a second, easily exploiting the hosts’ vulnerabilities.

Joshua Zirkzee, deployed as a second striker, endured a nightmare evening. Manager Ruben Amorim hauled him off after just 33 minutes to the sarcastic cheers of the frustrated home crowd. In contrast, substitute Kobbie Mainoo injected some energy into United’s play, and the team showed marginal improvement in the second half, creating opportunities but failing to convert them.

The dire first-half display and inability to bounce back have intensified scrutiny on Amorim’s tenure, with the team’s slump putting their season in jeopardy. Newcastle’s dominance only served to magnify United’s struggles and their deepening crisis.

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GOAL rates Man United’s players from Old Trafford…

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (4/10):

Not at fault for either goal but his confidence looked shot even before Newcastle took the lead.

Matthijs de Ligt (4/10):

Rarely looked comfortable against Isak and his passing was weak.

Harry Maguire (4/10):

Poor for the Isak goal. Tried to piece the defence back together afterwards and provided an attacking threat, hitting the post with a header.

Lisandro Martinez (3/10):

Put up no fight against Isak or Joelinton and was a liability out of possession. His only saving grace were his deep passes, which set up a good chance for Hojlund.

Midfield

Noussair Mazraoui (3/10):

Had an abysmal first half. Torn apart by Gordon and kept on misplacing passes.

Christian Eriksen (4/10):

Doesn’t have the legs for a game like this. There were far worse culprits but his lack of intensity played into Newcastle’s hands.

Casemiro (2/10):

Kept overhitting passes, took a frankly ridiculous distance strike on goal and missed an absolute sitter. Should have gone off well before the 64th minute.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Played his part in the improved second half display, with most of the danger coming from his left side.

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Attack

Amad Diallo (4/10):

Was dragged down by the air of disbelief around him and in the first half looked as lost as everyone else. Recovered some dignity in the second half.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

Flashed a decent chance wide in what was his only shot. Had almost no understanding with his fellow attackers.

Joshua Zirkzee (1/10):

Looked totally out of place. His 33 per cent pass success rate says it all, as does the fact that his 33rd-minute substitution was met with widespread cheers from the home fans.

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Subs & Manager

Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

Gave United some of their identity back when he replaced Zirkzee, restoring some balance and thought to the play.

Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

Tried to salvage the game but was easily dealt with.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Helped keep a lid on Newcastle’s counters.

Antony (N/A):

A late introduction which was a damning statement on how low Rashford’s standing is.

Ruben Amorim (3/10):

His tactics were all wrong and although he is an idealogue he has to start adapting his methods or things could get even uglier.