Manchester United’s embarrassing two-nil loss to Newcastle United at home made it three home losses in the league for the first time in decades.
The match started in the worst way possible as two crosses in the first 20 minutes saw Newcastle go two up with goals from Isak and Joelinton.
A 30-minute substitution to replace Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Maino was another sign that the manager got his team wrong, and Newcastle were running the show.
Eriksen and Casemiro couldn’t handle the opponent’s strength and pace in the middle of the park and had to bring in Mainoo’s energy and composure, which turned the game a bit.
However, this was too late, as Newcastle went on to win the game, leaving Manchester United 14th in the league and much closer to the bottom than the top.
FULL-TIME: MAN UNITED 0-2 NEWCASTLE
• Isak A.
• JoelintonNewcastle United dominate at Old Trafford! 💥
pic.twitter.com/lPuCm7vQrn— Football Videos (@BarcaEvadon) December 30, 2024
Amorim selection issues and embarrassing admission
After the game, the manager was quick to admit that his system wasn’t improving the players, but he had to continue his ways despite being a huge embarrassment at the moment.
His selection will also be questioned, as Casemiro and Eriksen lacked the agility to handle the midfield, and this was pretty clear even under the previous manager.
Having young and energetic players such as Toby Collyer and Mainoo on the bench was clearly a bad choice, and maybe he should consider this going forward.
“The team is not improving” 💬
Ruben Amorim admits it’s “embarrassing to be a Manchester United coach” 🔴 pic.twitter.com/NwW7fuACgW
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 31, 2024
Marcus returns
Marcus Rashford returned to the bench but was an unused sub, with Amorim noting that he was more focused on the team than Rashford.
United head to Anfield on Sunday, January 5, in their first game of 2025. With Liverpool flying high, they could face another huge embarrassment.
The fans will be waiting to see a change in the personnel, especially at wingback, and maybe a much-improved side that can get a result in the rival match.
