Manchester United 0-2 Newcastle: Ruben Amorim's side slump to historic third straight Premier League home defeat

Manchester United slumped to a third straight home defeat in the top flight for the first time in 45 years as Newcastle coasted to a 2-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford.

Eddie Howe's side have now won four straight league matches and kept a clean sheet in all of them for the first time since 2012 after threatening to overwhelm the home side in the first half.

Alexander Isak scored in his sixth straight league match by heading home Lewis Hall's cross for the opener on four minutes before Joelinton did likewise from Anthony Gordon's inviting ball on 19 minutes.

Ruben Amorim's side were fortunate to only be two behind at the break with the United manager hauling off Joshua Zirkzee and bringing on Kobbie Mainoo on 33 minutes as the visitors threatened to run riot.

The Red Devils improved in the second half, but Newcastle comfortably saw out the win to end the year in fifth place in the table, a point above champions Manchester City after scoring 13 goals in only four matches.

It was their first league win at Old Trafford since December 2013 and only their second in 40 visits.

Meanwhile, Amorim's side have suffered five league defeats in the same month for the first time since September 1962 and end the year in 14th spot.

It is the first time they have been lower than seventh in the table since 1989 when they were 15th.

It does not get easier for United with a trip to leaders and fierce rivals Liverpool next up on Sunday.

All the details on how to watch and live stream the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal in the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+. Arsenal are looking to keep up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool, with Mikel Arteta's men coming off the back of a 1-0 win against Ipswich Town. Brentford are chasing their first win in five matches after recent struggles. Full details here

"There is still a long way to go, but the team is improving," said the Newcastle United goalscorer on Sky Sports after the dominant 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

"A good performance away from home today, three points, two goals, clean sheet. Great mentality from the boys from start to finish to defend our goal and score two goals to win the game.

"We knew we were not playing in the way we wanted to play before, the intensity, the quality, scoring goals, but we just kept working hard every day on the training pitch with positivity.

"Then when you start to win and score goals the confidence comes back."

Newcastle end the year fifth top of the Premier League before they visit Tottenham on Saturday chasing a fifth straight league win.

"Belief is high," said Joelinton, who was quick to praise Alexander Isak's contribution.

"We started really well and scored the two goals, we could have scored more but didn't and then we lost a bit of control. At the end, the most important is the three points and job done.

"[Isak] is amazing. It is so good to have him and play alongside him because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now and I hope he continues scoring goals because it is good for us.

"I knew it was a goal, I headed the ball. Thank you God it was given. Very happy to score one more goal, and help the team to win.

"Time will tell how good we are, but we are enjoying football right now. We have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground because there is a long way to go."

Newcastle fans will enjoy their trip back up the road tonight as their side move fifth top of the Premier League. Nine league defeats for United now this season. Forgettable end to the year for them.

A lot of home fans are heading for the exit doors rather than stick around to see the Newcastle fans celebrate. Probably did well to last this long.

Some nice close control skills by Amad Diallo before he goes to ground under pressure from Dan Burn, but nothing doing after Maguire is guilty of pushing in the box.

Newcastle fans have not stopped singing inside this ground. Matthijs de Ligt is replaced by Antony for United with Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes taking over from Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy. Whose job is surely done for the night.

Ball bobbing about the Newcastle box before Christian Eriksen lashes a volley a few yards over the bar. Finishing touch eluding the Red Devils.

Looks like Antony is going to be brought on as Schar earns a yellow card for wrestling Rasmus Hojlund to the ground. Schar suspended for the trip to Tottenham on Saturday.

But no nearer to finding a way back into the match for the home side. Heading for final 10 minutes of regulation play. Aston Villa and Brighton are now level at 2-2.

Could end 2024 in 14th spot, only seven points clear of Ipswich in 18th spot in the Premier League. Which tells you enough.

Leny Yoro nods inches wide from the Eriksen corner. Superb ball, but the finish lands the wrong side of the posts. Trying to set up a grandstand finish at Old Trafford.

NEWCASTLE REGAINING THEIR PURPOSE

Was a decent start to second half by the home side, but the Magpies are starting to crank it up again as Livramento slams a delightful ball across the face of goal. But no takers on hand to convert.

Trying to work out whether to shoot or try to pass to Gordon. In the end, he goes for goal and fires over with Maguire backing off.

The United keeper went through the ball and man on that occasion with his defence trying to get out, but flag was already raised by the linesman.

Alejandro Garnacho and Leny Yoro are brought on to take over from Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.

Gordon going nowhere in the wide area before he is hauled to the ground by Dalot. Hall with the free-kick delivery, but De Ligt on hand to head away.

Lisandro Martínez earns a yellow card for a late challenge on Isak. Certainly looked a bookable offence.

Harry Maguire with a superb header that comes back off a post with Dubravka beaten low to his right. Hall then across to block the finish by Matthijs de Ligt. Much better from the home team.