Magpies sail past sharp demons

Newcastle recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday evening, capping off 2024 with another excellent performance.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton in the first 20 minutes propelled the Magpies to victory, while Manchester United struggled to muster any meaningful response.

First half

The visitors wasted no time in asserting their dominance, and took the lead after just four minutes.

A perfectly executed substitution by Bruno Guimarães found Lewis Hall in acres of space on the left flank.

Hall sent a precise cross into the box, with Isak jumping over Harry Maguire to head the ball past a helpless Andre Onana.

GET INNNNNN! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cTyqDHNiao

– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 30, 2024

Newcastle’s early strike set the tone for the half and it wasn’t long before they doubled their advantage.

In the 19th minute, Anthony Gordon passed past Noussair Mazraoui on the left wing before sending a perfect cross.

Joelinton rose above Lisandro Martinez to head home past Onana, making it 2-0.

The Magpies came close to extending the lead further, as Sandro Tonali hit the post from the edge of the penalty area and Isaac netted again, only for his second goal to be ruled out for offside.

Meanwhile, Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm. Their first real opportunity came from Rasmus Hoglund, who shot wide of the offside trap with his left foot in the 34th minute.

Joshua Zirkzee was substituted to cheers at half-time after a less-than-inspiring performance, but the hosts’ frustrations continued as Casemiro wasted a golden chance to pull one back just before half-time.

Let’s go pic.twitter.com/DCnRW3okgs

– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 30, 2024

The second half

Ruben Amorim, clearly unhappy with his team’s performance, made more changes at half-time.

Kobe Maino and Alejandro Garnacho were introduced, hoping to inject energy into Manchester United’s lackluster attack.

The home side’s best chance in the first half came in the 60th minute when a cross from Diogo Dalot reached Harry Maguire inside the penalty area.

The defender’s header hit the post, and Matthijs de Ligt’s follow-up attempt was blocked by Lewis Hall.

Amorim brought on Anthony and Lenny Euro late in the game, but the substitution failed to turn things around.

Newcastle’s substitutes, including Harvey Barnes and Joseph Willock, added fresh legs to see the game through.

The victory raised Newcastle United to fifth place in the English Premier League table, only three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Eddie Howe’s side will enter 2025 brimming with confidence as they bid to qualify for the Champions League.

For Manchester United, the defeat ended a disappointing year, with questions mounting about the team’s viability, regardless of who takes charge.