Newcastle 2-0 Man United (30 Dec 2024) Match Analysis

Newcastle United beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League on Monday thanks to early headed goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton at Old Trafford, an ugly culmination of one of the most miserable months in the home side’s recent memory.

With five defeats in their last six league games, Manchester United drop to 14th on 19 points, their worst position to end a calendar year since they finished 15th in 1989. Newcastle are fifth on 32 points.

Isak got the visitors on the scoresheet in the fourth minute when he jumped and headed in a precise cross Lewis Hall with both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez fails to pick him up.

It was the 11th goal in 11 games for Isak, who has scored more Premier League goals in December than any other player with eight.

Newcastle doubled their lead in the 19th minute in almost carbon copy fashion with Anthony Gordon sent in a cross that Joelinton headed in.

The win marked Newcastle’s second win at Old Trafford in 40 league visits dating back to 1972.

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It is also the first time since 1979 that Manchester United have lost three consecutive league games at home. Their 18 goals conceded in all competitions in December is their most in a single month since March 1964 (also 18).

The scoring could have been more lopsided, with Isak hitting a shot past the goalkeeper André Onana in what would have made it 3-0 in the first half before the offside flag went up to the relief of United fans.

Shortly after, Sandro Tonali missed an absolute sitter when he ran onto a flick from Gordon but patted it off the woodwork.

While the home team struggled to get out of their finish in the first half, Rasmus Højlund and Casemiro both wasted chances just before the break.

Hojlund was played in by Martinez but sent his shot wide of the goal, inches from the far corner, while Casemiro unleashed a shot that sailed wide and buried his head in his hands.

Ruben Amorim’s men were better after the break and Maguire’s diving header headed the keeper Martin Dubravka grip at least, the Old Trafford crowd – who had booed their team off the pitch at half-time – had cheered their efforts.