Newcastle hand Manchester United one of their heaviest defeats of the season | OneFootball

Reigning League Cup champions took no notice of Manchester United and thrashed them 4-1 at St James' Park. The Magpies recorded their fifth win of the season and moved up to fourth place in the Premier League on 56 points, while the Red Devils remain on just 38 points in a dismal 14th position.

For practically the entire first half, Newcastle controlled the game with very high lines, leaving no space for Manchester United to circulate possession. The proof of this was a goal scored by Joelinton even before the first minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside at the start of the play with the help of the always welcome semi-automatic offside system.

Red Devils tried to break away from the pressure exerted by their opponents, but the Magpies took the lead in the 24th minute when Isak received the ball on the edge of the box and played it to Tonali, who hit a cross that beat goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. Even so, Manchester United equalized in the 37th minute with a quick break down the right with Dalot laying the ball off for Garnacho to break into the area and, left-footed, he hit the ball into the corner and beat Pope.

Newcastle United FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League | Stu Forster/GettyImages

After a good first half, Newcastle finally managed to turn the pressure into goals in the second half thanks to a more aggressive approach. In the 49th minute, Livramento started the move down the left, relying on a ridiculous tackle by Dalot to cross low and find Barnes at the far post. A few minutes later, Mazraoui slipped and was dispossessed by Barnes, who shot towards goal and touched it past Altay Bayındır. Finally, in the 77th minute, substitute goalkeeper Onana got it wrong and Joelinton headed Bruno Guimarães' effort into the corner.

Manchester United must win Europa League title to save season

Far from the protagonist they once were and with an extremely disappointing performance due to the expectations placed on Rúben Amorim, only a UEFA Europa League title can save Manchester United's season, with a place that would be history for the next Champions League. That's why the game against Lyon at Old Trafford will be the club's most important since June 2024.