Two winners and five losers from Man Utd vs Newcastle, including one player who wasn’t even in the squad

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Manchester United were defeated by Newcastle on Monday night as the year ended on a disappointing low.

For Ruben Amorim, this defeat saw him equal Sir Matt Busby’s record of five league losses in a month.

Manchester United were punished for an atrocious opening half an hour as Newcastle scored twice which led to Amorim hooking Joshua Zirkzee.

From then on, United were actually the team who controlled the game, but it was too little too late as Newcastle held on and won 2-0.

We’ve now split the winners from the losers during the loss, scoring those who saw their stock rise… or fall within Old Trafford.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Losers

To start with, let’s get the bad out of the way after a game in which there were plenty of bad parts for United.

Joshua Zirkzee: With injuries and suspensions, Amorim opted to use Zirkzee in the number 10 position and it is safe to say he won’t be trying this again any time soon.

Zirkzee looks like a shell of the player we all assumed was coming to Old Trafford, and it seems like it would be best for him to seek a new challenge in the new year.

Christian Eriksen: Injuries and suspensions meant United started with a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen – which was terrible

However, while Casemiro loses nothing as he is firmly behind Manuel Ugarte. Eriksen is playing for his future at the club with a 2025 move looking all but assured. This performance will do little to change this.

Lisandro Martinez: Wearing the captain’s armband in lieu of the suspended Bruno Fernandes, we expected Lisandro Martinez to step up and perform.

But the Argentine was poor for Newcastle’s first goal and looked off it all game long. With Godwill Kukonki a clear favourite of Amorim, a run of performances like this could see Martienz under threat.

Rasmus Hojlund: Starting as the striker against Newcastle, Rasmus Hojlund barely had a sniff at goal, yet missed his one big chance.

Poor hold-up play will not have impressed Amorim, who has already stated his desire for an addition to the attacking ranks. Hojlund can be thankful that despite how bad he is, his competition Zirkzee is worse.

Marcus Rashford: Recalled to the bench for United after four games out, Marcus Rashford cast a gloomy figure on the touchline as he warmed up.

However, Amorim not using Rashford is a telling declaration that the Englishman was not there through merit, but rather to make up the numbers.

• READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace

Winners

It may be surprising to think that there could be positives from such a disappointing outing. But two players are winners.

Kobbie Mainoo: Amorim changed the game when he brought on Kobbie Mainoo in the 32nd minute. Mainoo should have had an assist if only Casemiro could shoot.

The 19-year-old was excellent in midfield and looked more like the player we all grew to adore from last season. Hopefully, this is the start of him re-capturing that form.

Manuel Ugarte: Despite not even being at Old Trafford, Ugarte can be considered a winner in this game. The Uruguayan’s impact in midfield was sorely missed, strengthening his argument as an undroppable player.

Ugarte is key for United and this may have settled it once and for all.