Two games, two goals conceded directly from corners for Rúben Amorim’s side, as Manchester United’s baffling lack of a ‘new manager bounce’ continues. They head into their final game of 2024 against Newcastle on Monday with much to ponder.
By Alex Roberts
Amorim would have had an inkling about the situation at Old Trafford but it’s hard to imagine he knew it was this bad. Someone tell Sir Jim Ratcliffe that sacking dinner ladies and scrapping Christmas bonuses isn’t helping as they fall to 14th following their 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are flying towards the Champions League spots, comprehensively beating fellow top four hopefuls Aston Villa 3-0 to go above them into fifth on Boxing Day. Yesterday’s results have since seen the Toon drop back down to seventh.
Bruno, Bruno, Bruno
United will be without their talismanic captain for the game against Newcastle after he was given a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Nelson Semedo in the defeat to Wolves.
Fernandes has been a standout for United since Amorim took over, making five goal contributions in the ten games across all competitions under his new manager, but his nasty side once again got the better of him.
His red card against Wolves was his second of United’s Premier League campaign, not the kind of disciplinary record you’d want your captain to have. Although, he’s no Roy Keane.
Isak’s on fire, your defence is terrified
Alexander Isak might be the best Scandinavian striker in the Premier League after all. With seven goals from his last five games and 11 in the league altogether, he’s catching up to Erling Haaland.
The Swede used his feet rather than his suede to double Newcastle’s lead in the win over Villa, timing his run perfectly to tap Jacob Murphy’s low cross past Emiliano Martínez.
Man United’s defensive frailties are clear having conceded nine goals in their last three league games. At least Isak doesn’t take corners.
How to solve a problem like Maguire
Speaking of defensive frailties, Harry Maguire isn’t one of them and with Fernandes suspended, he could wear the armband once again. The big centre-back was the best of a bad bunch against Wolves, ending the game having won 100% of his tackles, made 12 defensive actions, and won 2/3 of his ground duels.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system requires a rock at the centre of his three-man back line, Sebastián Cortes was once his guy at Sporting, and Maguire appears to have stepped up at United.
There was a few rocky moments in the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, but he could hardly be blamed for the loss. With positives few and far between for Amorim, Maguire’s redemption arc would be a huge feather in his cap.
Newcastle United: Reinvented
Anthony Gordon cited a ‘mindset shift’ for Newcastle’s impressive uptake in form that has seen them win their last three Premier League games, having previously gone four without a victory.
The rivalry between Newcastle and Man United can trace it’s origin all the way back to the 90s, with memories of Kevin Keegan scream “I would love it!” still fresh in the memories of both sets of fans.
Newcastle lost out the last time these two faced off, falling to a 3-2 defeat at the end of last season. There has been a seismic shift since then, not just in the mind, but on the pitch.
Prediction
The Manchester derby suddenly feels like a long time ago as Man United continue to struggle. It’s hard to see anything other than a win for Newcastle here, we’re going to go with 2-0 to the visitors.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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