After two consecutive defeats in the Premier League (0-3 against Bournemouth and 2-0 at Wolverhampton), and with the absences of Fernandes and Ugarte (suspended), Manchester United hosted Newcastle in great form, and in search of fifth place in the Premier League. Manchester City, this Monday evening at Old Trafford. The Magpies have, in fact, won their last four competitive matches, with 14 goals scored and only one conceded. However, they had only won once in their last 39 trips to Old Trafford in the Premier League, that was in 2013 (0-1, goal by Yohan Cabaye).
Continuing their good form, Eddie Howe’s men quickly took the lead. Receiving a lobbed pass from Lewis Hall, Alexander Isak opened the scoring with a header from close range (4th, 0-1). A clear domination symbolized by 69% ball possession at the end of the first quarter of an hour. Joelinton then doubled the lead for Newcastle, on a good cross from Anthony Gordon (19th, 0-2). At the half-hour mark, Isak thought he could score a double, but his goal was ruled out for offside (30th). Before the end of the first period, Rasmus Hojlund missed a clear attempt to reduce the gap (34th), but the score ultimately remained unchanged.
Manchester United can’t do it
After a controlled first act, the Magpies continued. Despite a few pushes from the Red Devils, Newcastle showed careful collective play, stringing together short passes while looking for the gap in the opposing defense. Despite a few attempts and breakthroughs on both sides, the score remained unchanged. Manchester United, having never managed to reverse the situation, did not seem able to restart a match that was almost over.
At the end of the match (their 4th defeat in all competitions), the Macuniens are in low 14th place in the Premier League. The club finds itself, moreover, only 7 small points from the red zone. For its part, Newcastle ended its year on a good note. The Magpies move up to 5th place in the standings with 32 points, ahead of Manchester City and Bournemouth.
