Shocking poor Man Utd get thrashed at St. James' Park

Joshua Zirkzee was the Dutch national team’s lone representative in the British football weekend finale, as he led the line for Manchester United in what was expected to be a high-stakes clash at St. James’ Park.

The young striker, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, was given the nod by manager Rúben Amorim to spearhead the attack in the absence of several key players. Matthijs de Ligt was one of the notable omissions, sidelined due to an injury that has continued to trouble him. His absence left a gap in United’s defense that proved costly throughout the match.

Even before kickoff, Amorim made headlines with his surprising goalkeeping decision. Instead of sticking with his regular starter Andre Onana, the Portuguese manager chose to leave the Cameroonian out of the squad altogether. The decision followed a glaring error Onana committed during the Europa League draw against Olympique Lyon just days earlier. With Onana dropped, Altay Bayındır was given a rare opportunity between the posts, and in the early stages of the game, he appeared to rise to the occasion. The Turkish international produced several solid saves, showing sharp reflexes and command of his area.

Despite Bayındır’s efforts, there was little he could do to stop Newcastle’s opener. In the 26th minute, Alexander Isak received the ball near the edge of the box and slid it perfectly into the path of Sandro Tonali, who unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner. The home crowd erupted as Newcastle took a deserved 1-0 lead. However, their joy was short-lived, as Alejandro Garnacho responded swiftly for Manchester United. The Argentine winger, one of the few bright sparks in United’s campaign, showed great composure to finish a quick counterattack and level the score at 1-1. The goal gave United a lifeline going into the break, although signs of vulnerability remained evident.

Whatever optimism Manchester United had built in the first half quickly vanished once play resumed. Newcastle came out of the dressing room with renewed energy and purpose, immediately putting United’s defense under pressure. Just minutes into the second half, Harvey Barnes found himself in space on the left flank. With United’s defenders slow to react, Barnes took advantage and fired a low shot past Bayındır to make it 2-1. That goal sparked scenes of jubilation among the home fans and marked the beginning of United’s collapse.

To make matters worse, Zirkzee was forced off with an injury shortly after the restart. The striker had shown promise early in the match but was unable to continue, leaving United even more short-handed in attack. Without a true focal point up front, the team’s offensive structure unraveled. Newcastle sensed blood and continued to press aggressively, exposing the gaps in United’s defense. Barnes struck again moments later, this time capitalizing on poor marking to score his second of the night and put Newcastle 3-1 ahead.

At that point, Manchester United’s backline looked completely lost, and Bayındır, despite his best efforts, was left exposed time and again. Bruno Guimarães eventually added a fourth goal, turning what had been a competitive fixture into a rout. The Brazilian midfielder’s finish was the final nail in the coffin, as Newcastle cruised toward a dominant 4-1 victory. The result left Manchester United reeling not just because of the scoreline, but because of the alarming lack of structure, urgency, and defensive discipline.

This latest defeat marked United’s fourteenth league loss of the season a staggering figure for a club of their stature. Questions are once again being asked about Rúben Amorim’s tactical approach, his squad rotation choices, and the long-term vision for the team. While individual players like Garnacho and Bayındır showed some spirit, the collective performance fell far short of expectations.

For Newcastle United, however, the night was one of celebration and optimism. Eddie Howe’s side not only dominated one of the Premier League’s traditional giants but also strengthened their position in the race for a Champions League spot. With this win, they moved closer to securing a top-four finish. Should they win their game in hand, they would open up a four-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester City and move into third place, overtaking Nottingham Forest.

Even with key players like Sven Botman sidelined due to injury, Newcastle continue to show resilience, tactical clarity, and a ruthless attacking edge. Their fans left St. James’ Park buzzing, dreaming of a return to Europe’s elite stage a reward that now feels within reach. For Manchester United, the road ahead looks far more uncertain.