United end year in disarray as Newcastle ease to rare Old Trafford victory

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United suffered a third straight Premier League defeat as in-form Newcastle bolstered their European hopes with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Alexander Isak’s early header was followed by Joelinton’s goal in the 19th minute, and the only surprise was that a dismal first-half performance from United was not punished further as they lost a third consecutive home league game for the first time since 1979.

The hosts, without the suspended Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, were better after the break, but a fourth straight defeat in all competitions – and fifth league defeat in December – will not fill them with much confidence before Sunday’s trip to face Liverpool at Anfield as they remain 14th.

Marcus Rashford, having been left out of the previous four matchday squads with his United future in question, returned to the bench but was not called upon by Amorim, even with his side struggling to threaten the visitors.

Newcastle’s fourth straight league win gave Eddie Howe his first league success at Old Trafford in eight attempts and lifted the Magpies to fifth in the table.

Having scored in the opening minute of their 4-0 win at Ipswich nine days ago and in the second minute of the 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Newcastle needed four minutes to find the net here.

Lewis Hall’s cross spooned up off Noussair Mazraoui’s outstretched leg and it was all too easy for Isak to get between Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and head home, becoming the second Newcastle player to score in six consecutive Premier League games after Papiss Cisse in 2012.

United never settled, the ageing legs of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen unable to keep pace with Newcastle, who threatened again when Anthony Gordon