EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fourth Straight Loss as Newcastle Triumph at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s dismal end to 2024 continued as they fell 2-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and piling pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim, just two months into his tenure, admitted earlier this week that his position is under threat if results fail to improve. With only two wins in his first nine Premier League games, United are now 14th on the table, a mere seven points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle, on the other hand, extended their winning streak to five games, climbing to fifth place. Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton within the first 19 minutes secured the Magpies’ victory, leaving Amorim stunned at his team’s lackluster first-half display.

The game began disastrously for United, as Isak was left unmarked in the six-yard box to head home Lewis Hall’s cross in just the fourth minute. Newcastle’s midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton dominated the aging United pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, exposing the absence of suspended captain Bruno Fernandes.

Despite missing a clear chance to double the lead, Isak continued to threaten, with one goal ruled offside. Joelinton eventually struck Newcastle’s second after meeting Anthony Gordon’s cross, compounding United’s woes.

Amorim’s decision to substitute Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes was met with cheers of frustration from the Old Trafford faithful. Tonali nearly added a third for Newcastle when his shot hit the post after a swift team move.

United had a glimmer of hope before halftime, but Rasmus Højlund missed a clear opportunity, and Casemiro squandered another after a defensive error by Fabian Schär.

In the second half, United showed some improvement, with Harry Maguire hitting the post and Matthijs de Ligt’s rebound blocked. However, Newcastle soon regained control, and United failed to capitalize on their fleeting momentum.

The result marks United’s third consecutive home league defeat, a first since 1979, highlighting the club’s ongoing struggles. With a daunting trip to league leaders Liverpool and an FA Cup clash against Arsenal on the horizon, Amorim’s challenges are far from over.

Chelsea Shocked by Ipswich in 2-0 Defeat

Elsewhere, Chelsea suffered their second league loss in a row, falling 2-0 to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Liam Delap’s early penalty in the 12th minute set the tone, and Omari Hutchinson’s 52nd-minute strike sealed a memorable victory for Ipswich, delighting the home crowd.

The defeat leaves Chelsea facing questions about their form as Ipswich took a crucial step in their fight against relegation.