Manchester United’s five things noticed as Rúben Amorim learns shocking truth about 1/10 player

Five things noticed as Manchester United fell to a shocking defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday evening at Old Trafford to round out 2024.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Joshua Zirkzee as an attacking midfield against Newcastle United as Manchester United lined up at Old Trafford for their final fixture of what has been a gruelling 2024 for the club.

The Premier League tie started fast, with United attempting to get on the front foot, but Newcastle took an early lead, with Alexander Isak unmarked in the area and heading in from close range within five minutes.

After 20 minutes, the visitors were 2-0 up, and Amorim chose to substitute Zirkzee after 30 minutes and replace him with Kobbie Mainoo, although not much changed as Newcastle continued to dominate.

As the second half commenced, Amorim held off on making any further changes, with Mainoo having a shot blocked and Harry Maguire hitting the post as United edged closer to a goal.

However, despite United’s onslaught, Newcastle were able to hold firm, with the Gordie side holding out for a clean sheet and a 2-0 win on Monday evening.

Below are five things we noticed from the fixture.

#1 – Amorim learns shocking truth about Zirkzee

Ahead of kick-off, Amorim was asked why he had chosen to play Zirkzee as an attacking midfield, aside from Bruno Fernandes being suspended.

The head coach replied by explaining that he felt United needed more physicality in the forward line, but against Newcastle, the Netherlands international was so poor.

He couldn’t find his passes and seemed unaware of where Newcastle’s defenders were. The truth is that he played a shocking game in the No. 10 role. It feels like he has no place in the team and was substituted after just 33 minutes, earning a 1/10 player rating on the night.

#2 – Newcastle were playing like the home team

It was United’s final game at Old Trafford in 2024 in what may be potentially one of their final seasons at the stadium, should plans for a new build come to fruition – but it was Newcastle who played like the home side.

Their fans were louder, the players were better, and their football was smoother. It was a complete embarrassment, and although United gained more control in the second half, it’s a damning inditement of why some of the players do not deserve to wear the badge.

#3 – Casemiro played football like he wants to leave United

Although a lot of the focus was on Zirkzee and his embarrassing moment, Casemiro was probably the worst player on the field.

His performance was encapsulated at the end of the first half when he failed to score a fantastic chance before turning around and having a go at Mainoo for his pass. It was a truly poor moment coming from a seasoned professional.

He was given chances to create in the second half, but he failed to produce again during what was a genuinely unforgivable display at Old Trafford. He is currently linked with a January move to Saudi Arabia, which may be his best option.

#4 – Mainoo was a difference maker vs Newcastle

The decision to introduce Mainoo just 30 minutes into the tie was such a difference maker to United for two main reasons.

One was Zirkzee, who misplaced six passes during his 33 minutes, was off the field, while it also allowed Christian Eriksen to push up while Mainoo slotted in behind.

He was much better at dictating play and covering space than Eriksen, which sured up United’s defence, while also allowing the Danish international to try and have an impact further forwward.

Although United failed to climb back from the 2-0 deficit, Mainoo was a bright spark, again showing why he is rated so highly after an outstanding breakout 12 months at the club.

#5 – Rashford has a long way left to redeem himself

Ahead of the tie, it was confirmed as the side arrived at Old Trafford that Marcus Rashford had returned to United’s matchday squad for the first time in five games.

However, he was only named on the bench when the team sheet was released, and despite United needing goals, Amorim chose not to call upon the 27-year-old, favouring Alejandro Garnacho and then Antony as attacking reinforcements.

Rashford’s dramatic fall from importance in the squad can be linked with his interview a few weeks ago where he claimed he was ready to leave United for a new challenge, but in the meantime, he remains on the club’s wage books.

While Amorim’s reinstatement of Rashford in the squad shows that he still has a chance to play for the side again, his lack of involvement clearly indicates there is still some way to go before Amorim trusts him with minutes.

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