Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-2 Newcastle United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United ended 2024 with another defeat at Old Trafford to Newcastle United to make it three consecutive losses at home, and four losses on the spin in all competitions.

United were completely undone in the first half, with Newcastle looking more up for it and physically superior. It took the away side just four minutes to open the scoring though Alexander Isak, before Joelinton doubled their lead a few minutes later, with both goals coming from headers.

The Reds never looked at it in the opening 45 minutes, and Ruben Amorim even had to make a change in the 33-minute mark, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo for Joshua Zirkzee. The second half was better, but United still could not break down a resolute and impressive Newcastle side.

Here are the United player ratings from the match:

Andre Onana: 5

He stood no chance with either goals, with him being left disappointed by the loose marking in the penalty area. Looked a bit uncomfortable from set-pieces again, and had a largely quiet second half.

Matthijs de Ligt: 5

Probably the best defender United had in the opening few minutes. Looked like he was ready to put his body on the line, yet was completely let down by the rest of the team. Subbed off late on.

Harry Maguire: 4

He struggled to contain the rapid and in-form Isak, summed up by the first goal when he left the Swede completely unmarked to head into the net. Maguire was slow on the ball on a couple of occasions, and found it difficult throughout the first half, like many of the United players. Improved in the second half, and almost got a goal back as his header smacked the post.

Lisandro Martinez: 3

Terrible throughout. Could not contain the flying Newcastle forwards and probably had a say in both goals, not tracking his man for the first, and being completely out-muscled by Joelinton for the second. Hooked off for Leny Yoro midway through the second half.

Noussair Mazraoui: 4

Looked a shadow of his early-season form. Could not handle the pace of Anthony Gordon, and both goals came from crosses down his side. Limited in his play going forward.

Casemiro: 2

Horrible performance from such a seasoned player. Misplaced plenty of passes and did not have the legs to match the energetic Newcastle midfield. Squandered a huge opportunity to get a goal back for United right before half-time, and continued to play loose passes in the second half. Cannot believe that this is the same player that has won so many titles throughout his career. Subbed off in the 65th minute.

Christian Eriksen: 3

Like Casemiro, he was chasing shadows in the midfield in the first half, as he could not handle Bruno Guimaraes. While he showed signs of greater control in the second half, improving as he was pushed forward, he did not look like his creative self. Somehow played the full 90 minutes.

Diogo Dalot: 4

Dalot was one of the few players that seemed to be energetic off the ball in the first half. Despite that, he was sloppy on the ball, and never really threatened going forward, always looking to pass back to the other defenders.

Amad Diallo: 4

Constantly frustrated with the loose passes into him. His touches seemed uncharacteristically heavy and could not get the best of Lewis Hall. Found it difficult to get into the game.

Joshua Zirkzee: 3

Summed up the first half display in just 33 minutes. He was completely lost in the attacking midfield role and could not get a hold of the ball. While he usually puts in some nice touches, he was struggling to do the basics right. Hooked off by Amorim in the 33rd minute for Kobbie Mainoo to cheers from the Old Trafford crowd. A sad sight to see a player with so much promise struggling so much.

Rasmus Hojlund: 5

Probably United's sole bright spark in the first half. He was completely isolated up front, and was trying all he could to somehow make something happen for United. Once again, he was frustrated by the lack of passes into the channels for him to run on to. Had a decent opportunity in the first half that just went wide. Looked tired in the second 45.

Substitutions

Kobbie Mainoo: 6

Came on in the first half and looked the best out of a bad bunch. Comfortable on the ball and injected a sense of urgency that the team needed. When he came on, the team instantly improved, yet it was still not enough. Much better from the young midfielder given his recent dip in performances. Should start against Liverpool.

Alejandro Garnacho: 4

Subbed on in the 65th minute, and while he increased the intensity of United's play, was wasteful yet again and could not get the better of the Newcastle defence. Looks like a player devoid of confidence.

Leny Yoro: 5

Came on at the same time as Garnacho and looked relatively comfortable. Was not put under immense pressure given United were chasing a goal and Newcastle dropped back in the final few minutes.

Antony: 5

He was brought on in the 83rd minute and while he wanted to make things happen, it was all too late.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 4

He got his team selection horribly wrong by picking a midfield of Eriksen and Casemiro, who were no match for the physicality of the Newcastle midfield three. While his substitutions made an impact, the damage had already been done.

INEOS need to find a way to back him in January and to give him some time to work on the system with the players. Amorim also has to find a way to get the team going, as we are in freefall and are getting ourselves into a relegation battle.

Next up for United: League leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Not what you want to see after this defeat.