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Manchester United slipped to their fourth straight defeat on Monday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at Old Trafford.
The damage was done early on as Alexander Isak and Joelinton put the Magpies in complete control inside the opening half hour.
Joshua Zirkzee was hauled off shortly afterwards, and United showed some signs of improvement after the interval, but it was too little too late.
It was another miserable evening for United, who remained 14th, while Newcastle rose to fifth.
But did any United players stand out? And who were Newcastle’s star performers?
Mail Sport’s CHRIS WHEELER and CRAIG HOPE were on hand to rate the players on show at Old Trafford…
Alexander Isak set Newcastle on their way to a comfortable win at Old Trafford
Joelinton added Newcastle’s second as the visitors raced into a commanding lead
It was another chastening evening for Ruben Amorim as his side slipped to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions
MAN UNITED (3-4-3)
ANDRE ONANA 5 – Looked shaky under high balls again after being beaten by a corner at Wolves, but had no protection from his defense for either goal.
MATTHEWS DE LIGT 4.5 – Back after illness and must have wished he’d stayed in bed. United’s defense seemed terrified every time Newcastle came near them.
HARRY MAGUIRE 5 – Made some timely interceptions as United’s back-three creaked, and got forward to head against the post just before the hour.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ 4 – Captain for the night but lost track of Isak for the first goal and was outjumped by Joelinton for the second. His height seems more of an issue now.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI 4.5 – He has been one of the better players under Amorim, but had arguably his toughest game yet against Gordon and Hall down the United right.
CASEMIRO 4 – First league started in a month and played like it. His passing was off, one shot went 20m over the bar and steered a great chance wide before half-time.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN 4.5 – Slightly better after half-time but United’s experienced midfield pairing looked old and slow against Tonali and Joelinton.
Lisandro Martinez was caught out for both of Newcastle’s goals and his height is becoming an issue
Casemiro missed a big chance and his passing was below par throughout the evening
Joshua Zirkzee was taken off in the first half and it is hard to see where he goes from here
DIOGO DALOT 5 – The only good news is that he won’t have to keep playing on his weaker foot if United sign a left wing-back in the January transfer window.
AMAD DIALLO 5.5 – Plenty of effort from the little Ivorian as usual, but there wasn’t much to show for it as he was dominated by Burn and Hall.
RASMUS HOJLUND 5 – Thankless tasked up against Schar and Burn on his own, and wasted his best chance when through on goal and clipped wide.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE 3 – Brutal exit when he was replaced by Mainoo in the 33rd minute to loud cheers around Old Trafford. Where does he go from here?
Subs: Bayindir, Rashford, Malacia, Yoro (for Martinez 65, 6), Garnacho (for Casemiro 64, 6), Antony, Mainoo (for Zirkzee 33, 6), Collyer, Kukonki.
Booked: Martinez
Manager: Ruben Amorim 4 – United seem to be going backwards under him. How long before he has to consider changing the game plan to better suit his players?
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)
MARTIN DUBRAVKA 6.5 – Spectator most of the first half but footwork was tidy when it needed to be. A fourth clean sheet on spin in the Premier League.
Dan Burn was imperious at the back for Newcastle as they kept a clean sheet
KIERAN TRIPPIER 7 – Did not put a foot wrong and was unlucky not to score directly from the first-half corner. Brings class and calm to the team.
FABIAN SCHAR 6 – Lucky when the sloppy pass was not punished with a goal just before the break and marking was not tight enough for Maguire’s header into the post.
AND BURN 8.5 – Imperious form continues and won a physical duel with Hojlund. As the hosts improved in the second half, he stepped up and saw his team home. MOM.
LEWIS HALL 8 – Superb cross for the opener and exploited space on the left. Huge goalmouth block second half. Looks like an England left back.
BRUNO GUIMARAES 8 – Continues to revel in No. 8 role. Passing was so cute and clever and Brazilian was easily the game’s most creative player. Bossed midfield.
SANDRO TONALI 7.5 – Did what he has in all matches since moving to No. 6 – controlled the game and made it look easy. Should have scored when hitting the post at 2-0.
Sandro Tonali continued to shine in his new No. 6 role for the visitors at Old Trafford
JOELINTON 7.5 – How Man United could do with his type in midfield. Bullied Casemiro and Eriksen and dominant display was rewarded with a goal.
JACOB MURPHY 6.5 – Quieter from attacking perspective after run of goals and assists but did fine job defensively, dropping deep to help Trippier.
ALEXANDER ISAK 7 – The hosts could not live with him at times in the first half and they inexplicably left him alone to lead the early opener. Should have added second when sent clear.
ANTHONY GORDON 7 – Winger was the go-to man during the first half dominance and he duly provided an assist for Joelinton. Like Isak, should have helped himself to more.
Anthony Gordon will feel he should have scored but was still a constant threat
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Subs
Tino Livramento (on for Trippier 58) 6
Manager: Eddie Howe 7.5 – Got tactics spot on and his three-man midfield set the tone for a dominant first half that won them the game.
