Newcastle thrash Manchester United to boost Champions League hopes
Newcastle United bolstered their push for a Champions League place in the absence of ill manager Eddie Howe with a crushing victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Magpies Deliver Dominant Display in Eddie Howe’s Absence
Newcastle United kept their Champions League hopes alive with a dominant 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park, achieving their first league double over the Red Devils since the 1930-31 season.
The win came despite the absence of manager Eddie Howe, who was admitted to hospital on Friday after feeling unwell for several days. Assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones stepped in and guided the team to a commanding performance.
Red Devils Crumble as Newcastle Takes Control
From the outset, Newcastle were the superior side, taking the lead when Alexander Isak lofted a pass over the defence, allowing Sandro Tonali to finish coolly. Tonali nearly doubled the lead with a long-range strike, while Altay Bayındır, replacing dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana, denied Isak with a smart save.
Against the run of play, Alejandro Garnacho gave Manchester United hope with a composed finish in the 37th minute, equalizing to end the team’s three-game goal drought in the Premier League.
Barnes Brace and Goalkeeping Blunder Seal the Win
Newcastle regained the lead early in the second half when Harvey Barnes converted Jacob Murphy’s low cross to make it 2-1. A slip from Noussair Mazraoui allowed Barnes to double his tally with a clinical finish in the 64th minute.
Manchester United’s woes worsened when Bayındır gifted possession to Joelinton, who headed the ball into the path of Bruno Guimarães for Newcastle’s fourth.
More Pain for Manchester United and Amorim
It was a night to forget for Ruben Amorim, whose decision to bench Onana backfired. The loss also came with an injury blow, as Joshua Zirkzee limped off with a suspected hamstring issue.
Manchester United have now suffered 10 defeats in 21 league games under Amorim, slipping to 14th place—behind Everton on goal difference and only three points above the relegation zone.
Newcastle, meanwhile, climb to fourth, just a point behind Nottingham Forest, as their push for a top-four finish gains momentum.