Manchester United’s Premier League misery continued at St James’ Park.
The Red Devils have now failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Ruben Amorim made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Lyon in the Europa League, including a first start for 18-year-old Harry Amass.
Sandro Tonali gave the hosts a lead, and while Alejandro Garnacho drew United level, it didn’t last long as Harvey Barnes scored twice in the second half before Bruno Guimaraes put the game out of sight.
Here are five things learned from the defeat on Tyneside:
Nightmare repeats for Joshua Zirkzee
It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Joshua Zirkzee, and that trend continued here.
After scoring on his debut, Zirkzee went on a frustrating goal drought and things went from bad to worse when United lost to Newcastle at Old Trafford in December.
Zirkzee was ‘in tears’ as he was hooked by Amorim in the first half. Since that moment, he has been on a constant upward trajectory, growing in confidence.
He was given the nod to start ahead of a struggling Rasmus Hojlund here, and Zirkzee started brightly when he linked up beautifully with Bruno Fernandes before his shot was well-saved.
However, Zirkzee’s match was brought to a halt in the second half when he pulled up with a hamstring injury. He will no doubt miss the second leg against Lyon now.
Harry Amass can expect more minutes
Eager to rest some of his key starters, Amorim handed academy star Harry Amass a first start against Newcastle.
Amass has been making huge progress this season having first caught attention during United’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Patrick Dorgu was given a rest, and Amass proved that he can provide competition for the left wing-back spot. Amass handled the threat of Jacob Murphy well and he looked composed in possession, bombing forward whenever possible.
United’s performance nosedived when he was one of three changes in the second half. Amass can expect more minutes before the curtain is drawn on this season.
Alejandro Garnacho hits 10-goal milestone
Alejandro Garnacho’s decision-making has been heavily criticised this season, but he took his one chance here.
United were miles off their best going forward, with the back line struggling to break through Newcastle’s press.
When Garnacho was presented with a rare chance on the counter-attack, he took it brilliantly meaning he has now scored 10 goals in all competitions this season.
Victor Lindelof’s time is up
It is no secret that Victor Lindelof faces an uncertain future at United when the summer window rolls around.
His performance at St James’ Park won’t have helped his case to try and get a new contract from Ineos before the end of the season.
With Matthijs de Ligt injured and Harry Maguire rested, it was Lindelof picked to play in the heart of the back three, but he struggled up against Alexander Isak.
Lindelof was poor for Tonali’s opener after giving up possession and he lost his marker way too often for Amorim’s liking.
Altay Bayindir failed to take his opportunity
The big talking point ahead of the clash was that Andre Onana was dropped from the squad by Ruben Amorim.
On Thursday, Onana’s mistakes proved costly in the Europa League clash against Lyon, and Amorim made the decision to start with Altay Bayindir at St James’ Park.
However, the Turkish shot-stopper struggled to make an impression as he picked the ball out of his net four times here.
Amorim has hinted that Onana will return to face Lyon on Thursday and Bayindir hasn’t exactly given the Portuguese head coach much to think about.
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