Manchester United collapsed once again. It was the 4,000th match played in the top division, but the result was a 'crushing defeat.'

On the 14th (Korea time), Manchester United lost 1-4 to Newcastle United in the away match of the 32nd round of the 2024-2025 Premier League held at St. James' Park in Newcastle, England.

Having lost both encounters this season, Manchester United suffered the humiliation of allowing Newcastle to achieve a 'double' for the first time since the 1930-1931 season.

With this defeat, Manchester United recorded a season performance of 38 points (10 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses), falling to 14th place in the league. In contrast, Newcastle rose to 4th place with 56 points (17 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses), increasing their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Before the match, Manchester United made changes in the goalkeeper position. Starting goalkeeper André Onana, who had made repeated mistakes, was replaced by Altai Bayındır, but Bayındır showed even greater insecurity. He displayed poor judgment on conceding goals, and the weakness in the team's buildup play was exposed throughout the match.

Manchester United employed a 3-4-2-1 formation. At the forefront was Joshua Zirkzee, with Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho positioned in the second line. In midfield were Harry Amass, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte, and Diogo Dalot, while the defense was composed of Lenny Yoro, Viktor Lindelöf, and Noussair Mazraoui. The goal was defended by Altai Bayındır.

Newcastle took on a 4-3-3 formation. Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, and Jacob Murphy formed the attacking trio, while the midfield was dominated by Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães. The back four consisted of Valentino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, and Kieran Trippier, while Nick Pope donned the goalkeeper gloves.

The early stages of the match were tight, but the first goal was scored by Newcastle. In the 24th minute of the first half, Isak intercepted the ball at a high position and delivered a lob pass into the defensive gap, and a well-timed volley from Tonali finished it off, producing the opening goal.

Manchester United quickly responded. In the 37th minute of the first half, Garnacho received a pass from Dalot during a counterattack and struck accurately with his left foot to equalize.

The first half ended 1-1.

In the second half, Newcastle broke through Manchester United's defense to take the lead again. In the 5th minute of the second half, Livramento's cross was connected by Murphy with a cutback, and Barnes, who surged forward, finished it off to make the score 1-2.

Subsequently, misfortune piled up for Manchester United. In the 11th minute of the second half, Zirkzee collapsed due to a hamstring injury, and Rasmus Højlund was substituted in. Manchester United simultaneously brought in Patrik Dorrgu and Mason Mount for Amass and Garnacho, but it was insufficient to turn the tide.

In the 19th minute of the second half, Mazraoui slipped and lost the ball to Barnes, who calmly scored after a solo run, extending Newcastle's lead to two goals. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Guimarães added a goal, capitalizing on a buildup mistake by Bayındır, making the score 1-4.

After that, Manchester United brought on Luke Shaw and Kobie Mainoo in hopes of a comeback, but the match concluded without any additional goals.

This match was significant for Manchester United. According to the statistics expert outlet 'Opta', it was the 4000th match that Manchester United played in the top division.

Opta reported, "Manchester United, proud of 20 league titles, will play their 4,000th top-flight match through the match against Newcastle. This match marks the 156th top-flight encounter between the two teams, with their first meeting occurring 130 years ago at Bank Street, where Manchester United won 5-1."

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