Manchester United took on Newcastle on Monday night to round out 2024 and it was a night to forget for one man in particular.
The year came to a disappointing conclusion on Monday night, with Newcastle beating Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Newcastle opened the scoring with Alexander Isak having a free header in the centre of the box unchallenged by any of United’s three central defenders.
United then conceded almost a carbon copy with Joelinton making it 2-0.
Ruben Amorim’s side was much better in the second half, but ultimately were left with too much to do and once again failed to score.
After a club record-equalling fifth loss of the month, here are five things we learned.
Joshua Zirkzee’s future is on thin ice
In the 32nd minute of the game, Amorim had seen enough from Joshua Zirkzee and subsequently hooked the £36m striker.
Zirkzee was horrendous and had just three passes find their destination as he struggled to control the ball, never mind threatening the Newcastle defence.
Zirkzee has been very poor this season and this response from Amorim is damning. It could signal an early return to Italy for the Dutchman, with Napoli interested.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen was never going to be able to compete with Newcastle
Heading into the game, it was clear a midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen would be torn apart.
Well, this turned out to be true as the dynamic Newcastle midfield danced around United’s ageing pair to easily get 2-0 up early on.
Neither have the legs to compete with a player like Bruno Guimares and it demonstrates the scale of rebuild needed at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has Old Trafford’s support
As bad as things are right now, the situation is not causing fans to turn on Amorim as he firmly retains the support of the fans.
In the 54th minute, this verdict could be heard loud and clear as United showed resurgent form and came back into the game.
The fans chanted, “Amorim’s red and white army”, which is a pretty clear and telling indication of the support he currently has.
Kobbie Mainoo changed the game for United
This season has been far from perfect for Mainoo as he has been a victim of the awful and incohesive performances United have put in.
However, after replacing Zirkzee, Mainoo’s impact completely changed the game for United and he enjoyed a really encouraging 70 minutes or so.
Mainoo looked more like the player who broke through a year ago and will certainly have a performance which impresses Amorim.
Ineos must use January transfer market
We have heard multiple reports claim United don’t have a lot to work with in January, but Ineos need to find it somewhere.
As things stand, there is a real chance we will soon be looking over our shoulder at relegation.
United need reinforcements as this squad is atrocious when you look beyond the first-choice players, while United are also lacking key components which would make this system work.
Amorim is the man, but he needs help.
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