Isak and Joelinton shine as Newcastle cruises past Manchester United
Manchester United is teetering on the brink of relegation under Ruben Amorim, a manager who assumed control on November 11th and seemingly failed to inspire the typical upswing that often follows a managerial change.

This marked United's fourth consecutive loss across all competitions and their first instance of dropping three straight home league matches since the 1978-79 season. After 11 games at the helm, the Portuguese coach's record stands at a dismal six defeats, four wins, and a solitary draw. A glance at the league table reveals United languishing in 14th position with a mere 22 points. Unsurprisingly, Amorim acknowledged the looming threat of relegation, stating that "our club needs a shock."
Once again, the 3-4-3 formation proved ineffective, and the substitution of Joshua Zirkzee after just 30 minutes starkly illustrates United's current disarray. Further compounding the confusion was the reinstatement of Marcus Rashford to the squad after the forward's public declaration of his desire for a "new challenge." Deciphering the manager's rationale on that decision remains a puzzle. Amorim insists on adhering to his "idea" but such stubbornness will prove disastrous if the team continues to falter and player morale deteriorates further.
There's a compelling reason why Antonio Conte's Chelsea side of 2016-17 remains the only team to win the Premier League title employing a three-center-back system. The approach is inherently reactive and susceptible to being overrun in midfield, precisely what transpired in this match. It took a mere three minutes and 30 seconds for Amorim to hang his head in despair. Newcastle exhibited fluidity, while United, despite fielding Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martínez in defense, allowed Alexander Isak to outjump them and head the ball past André Onana.
Maguire and Martínez were the primary culprits as the in-form Swede slipped between them to net his eighth goal in his last seven appearances. Amorim's men already resembled a disjointed pub team that had stumbled onto the pitch mid-holiday season. Noussair Mazraoui was the next to be exposed as Anthony Gordon's blistering pace left the right wing-back for dead before the Newcastle winger set up Joelinton, who failed to capitalize.
Amorim's frustration grew as Eddie Howe's side scored again with remarkable ease. United's midfield offered little resistance to Newcastle's attacking prowess. Possession was skillfully worked to Gordon, who delivered a perfect cross for Joelinton to rise above the hapless Martínez and head in Newcastle's second goal.
Amorim bears responsibility for the gaping holes in midfield. With Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes unavailable, he opted against utilizing the youthful energy of 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, instead deploying the aging duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen – with a combined age of 64 – against Newcastle's dynamic trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães.

The visiting supporters were in a jubilant mood, taunting their hosts with the Beach Boys' lyric "this is the best trip I've ever been on." Their cheers grew louder as a Tonali effort led to a corner, and Kieran Trippier's delivery nearly beat Onana, just as he had from a set piece in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day. The ensuing attack also threatened, but not as much as Tonali's strike that rattled the post moments later.
The situation worsened for Amorim when, after just 32 minutes, he decided his initial lineup was so flawed that Zirkzee had to be replaced by Mainoo. Mainoo slotted in alongside Casemiro, with Eriksen moving forward to occupy the humiliated Dutchman's position. After Zirkzee trudged down the tunnel (he later returned), United's only hope seemed to be a Newcastle error. Fabian Schär obliged, miscuing a pass straight to Mainoo, who found Casemiro, but his attempted chip-cross found no takers. United had produced their worst 45 minutes under Amorim, leaving the second half as a test for both managers: could Howe's team maintain their dominance, or could Amorim orchestrate a comeback?
Rasmus Højlund earned United's first corner on 51 minutes, but Eriksen's delivery was as ineffective as Casemiro's earlier wayward cross. Still, there were signs of improvement from the home side. An Amad Diallo attempt was blocked, and United began to string passes together and exert some control, culminating in Maguire's diving header that struck Martin Dubravka's right post.
Suddenly, Old Trafford was energized, with United's renewed vigor giving the fans something to cheer for. Amorim introduced Leny Yoro and Alejandro Garnacho for Martínez and Casemiro, leaving Rashford still on the bench and Maguire with the captain's armband. Yoro headed wide, and Antony came on for De Ligt. However, the fundamental problem remained: United lacked any attacking threat or cutting edge. Amorim's tenure is witnessing a worrying decline.
This victory marked Newcastle's second league win at Old Trafford since 1972 and their first in 11 years. Isak remarked, "It feels great, we haven't won here in a long time: the perfect way to end the year."
