Newcastle United delivered a decisive 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, deepening the troubles of under-fire manager Ruben Amorim and raising further questions about his future at the club.
The match began in dramatic fashion, with Newcastle seizing the lead in just the fourth minute. Alexander Isak capitalized on a deflected cross from Anthony Gordon, heading the ball into the net past a helpless Andre Onana. The early goal stunned the home crowd, setting the tone for what would be a frustrating evening for the Red Devils.
Newcastle doubled their lead in the 18th minute, again with Gordon playing a pivotal role. The winger delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Joelinton met with a powerful header, outjumping Lisandro Martinez to send the ball past Onana. The Brazilian’s effort left Manchester United’s defense scrambling, exposing their vulnerabilities under Amorim's leadership.
Before the half-time whistle, Newcastle came close to making it 3-0. Sandro Tonali found himself in space and unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box, but the effort cannoned off the post. The near-miss was a let-off for Manchester United, who struggled to find their footing throughout the first half. The Red Devils entered the break to a chorus of boos from their supporters, who were visibly disheartened by the team’s lackluster performance.
The second half saw Manchester United attempt to mount a comeback. The introduction of fresh legs injected some energy into the team, and Harry Maguire came close to pulling one back. In the 62nd minute, the defender rose highest to meet a corner kick, but his header struck the woodwork, denying the hosts a much-needed goal.
Despite their efforts, Manchester United failed to breach Newcastle’s defense, which remained resolute under the leadership of Sven Botman and Fabian Schär. The visitors controlled the game’s tempo, frustrating the home side and their supporters further.
This defeat leaves Manchester United perilously close to the relegation zone, a scenario that seemed unthinkable at the start of the season. Manager Ruben Amorim, who was appointed with high expectations, now finds himself under intense scrutiny. With only a few matches remaining to turn things around, the pressure on the Portuguese tactician continues to mount.
For Newcastle, the win marks a significant step in their quest for a top-four finish. Their clinical performance at Old Trafford showcased their growing confidence and ability to compete against the Premier League’s traditional giants. The result will undoubtedly bolster their morale as they prepare for upcoming challenges.