Man United vs Newcastle - Premier League RECAP: Struggling Red Devils lose a FOURTH game in a row after disastrous start, while Magpies climb up to fifth as Marcus Rashford is left on the bench

Just like that, a year of Premier League action has come to an end.

Manchester United fans will be entirely grateful for the back of 2024, and it ended in the worst possible way for them.

I think we are all starting to run out of superlatives for how bad this United team are, even more so after their performance this evening.

They were taken apart by Newcastle today and lucky that only Alexander Isak and Joelinton managed to find the back of the net.

On a different day, it could have been four or five for the Magpies.

It means Ruben Amorim's side finish the year down in 14th, their lowest position at the turn of a year since 1989.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are flying and now sit just three points behind Chelsea who occupy fourth position.

Anyway, the time has come for us to part ways for the final time this year, and what a time we have spent together.

There have been highs and lows for all of us - it's been a pleasure taking you through all the live sporting action in what has been a crazy 2024. I have loved it.

I will see you all in 2025!

Gary Neville, former Man United captain, on Sky Sports:

He [Amorim] must be suffering deep inside. I’m worried as well. There’s no doubt it’s deteriorated performances and results in these last few weeks.

They are finding it very difficult with the confidence. The concern is they are getting dragged into a fight down there near the bottom.

Right, now it's time to have a look at Mail Sport's player ratings.

I think you know that Manchester United aren't going to get many above five, that's a given.

One of them got a four out of 10... who do you think it was?

Well, I'm not going to tell you, you are just going to have to take a look. Please do.

To do so, click below:

Dave, Australia: The only thing helping Man United at the moment is that the teams below them are also losing games. Otherwise, they can easily be in 18th place. It’s that bad.

Anonymous: Amorim is taking United to new lows. Will he make it until the end of the season?

Shupi, Manchester: I remember when United went down in ‘74, there was a lot of fan denial at the time saying it would never happen until the day it did. This feels like the same scenario.

You know we keep saying things are going to get worse before they get better... well this is why.

Ruben Amorim's next few games in charge aren't going to be easy in the slightest, that's for sure.

Here are Manchester United's next six opponents:

• Liverpool (A)
• Arsenal (A) - FA Cup third round
• Southampton (H)
• Brighton (H)
• Rangers (H) - Europa League
• Fulham (A)

Listening to Ruben Amorim talk for ten minutes now, it’s clear the honeymoon period is over. Did he even have one? He’s agitated.

He looks and sounds under serious pressure. Talks of only having “one idea” and sticking to it. But that sounds like sleepwalking towards the bottom three.

Alexander Isak, Newcastle goalscorer, speaking to Sky Sports:

We haven't won here in a long time and it was a very good performance from us. A great way to end the year. Our intensity was really good. We started off the game with high energy, high regains, and counter attacks.

The challenge was to have the same intensity here as we play with at home, and we did that in the first half. It paid off with the two goals and we could have scored more.

We have been much better lately playing away from home. The challenge is to match the intensity home and away, and we have done that in recent weeks. We have been consistent in our performances which is good to see.

[Playing against a three man defence] is all about trying to be in a good position. I got a goal early and it led to me being marked a bit more for the rest of the game, but that probably opened up the second goal for Joelinton when they were more focused on me.

You guys have heard a lot from me tonight, it's time for you to read someone else's perspective.

That person is Oliver Holt, our Chief Sports Writer, who was in the Old Trafford press box.

It's fair to say, he has some pretty damning things to say about Manchester United, I mean, don't we all.

I don't want to spoil what he had to say though, so just go and read it yourselves.

Click below:

Gary Neville, former Man United captain, on Sky Sports:

It is really grim. That first half-hour was hard to watch. A lot of what we saw we knew was going to happen. I didn't see any balance in the team selection. Once l saw the team, l thought it would be a struggle.

Maybe Erik ten Hag wasn't so bad after all, eh?

When Ruben Amorim walked through the door, Manchester United fans couldn't contain their excitement.

That excitement is well and truly gone now.

Amorim has lost five of his first eight league games in charge which is the worst start for a Manchester United manager in 103 years.

Yes, over a century!

Do you think the Portuguese has made any improvements to United at all, or is he out of his depth?

Eddie Howe, Newcastle boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

I don't know about the win being a statement but for us we knew that we have to try to keep building on the momentum that we had built in recent weeks. We have had a really good look about us, a strong, confident team and I am happy we were able to continue that at a ground that hasn't been kind to Newcastle over the years. It is a big win psychologically.

Regardless of where we play we still have to be the same team, stick to the same principles. The players were very good in that early period of the game, we dominated the play. At 2-0 the game changes but I was really pleased with that opening spell.

[Alexander Isak] is getting to his best. For his goal he was where he needs to be, right in the middle of the six yard box. I am pleased that he is finding himself in the place it matters most and he is affecting the game in a way that only he can. We believe in him, we believe in his talent, he can really make the difference for us.

We are moving in the right direction defensively. It has not always been easy, particularly chopping and changing earlier on in the season, but we look to have a solid, settled back line and that has made a difference for us. We will have to shuffle things with Fabian's [Schar] suspension but I am hoping that we will still find a way to defend well.

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United boss, speaking on Sky Sports:

It was really hard on us. They were the better team and they started very strong. It was very hard for us to turn it around after we conceded the first goal because of the results before and we didn't have the positioning to cope with the difficult moments. The players suffered a lot on the pitch and it was really hard on us. Newcastle are a better team.

On Joshua Zirkzee:

You have to think about the team but also the player, but the player is suffering. I thought the team was suffering and we needed another midfielder to have more ball. It was really tough for me to do that, but I've spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. For the team, it was important for Josh to go out.

I know that Josh is a really good guy. When he went to the tunnel, I can understand that some guys can be in a bad way but he is a really good lad. It is life, and we will support Josh and continue. Newcastle were better than Manchester United, they weren't better than Josh.

On whether he will change his tactics:

Maybe, or you continue with your idea and they have to change the coach. It is a choice that everyone has to make in football. If I think this is the best thing for the team, I will continue to pass my message, easily.

What an end to the year Alexander Isak has had, eh?

Once again, it was another brilliant evening for the Swede and he just keeps on having them.

His strike in the fourth minute was his eighth goal in December which is more than any other player in the Premier League.

Yes, even more than Mohamed Salah, who is on fire.

Newcastle should brace themselves for a busy January of interest after that type of form.

The dominant first half did the damage for Newcastle, the second was game management (albeit after shaky spell before hour).

Bruno Guimarares bossed the first half, Dan Burn was awesome in the second. But so many big performances, again. Newcastle have better players than Man United and what looked like an easy win on paper proved so on grass.

I wonder what is going through Ruben Amorim's mind right now.

He has been open that he knew this job would be tough when he arrived at Old Trafford.

I bet he didn't think it would be as hard as this...

Things just keep going from bad to worse for his side, they don't look like they have a clue what they are doing.

Every week I sift through photos of Amorim during matches and he always looks so stressed and disappointed.

I mean, there is a reason for that.

Since Amorim’s first game in charge on November 24, only Southampton have lost more games in all competitions among Premier League clubs than Man United.

In that time, the Red Devils have shipped the joint-most goals, conceding 21.

How long can this go on for?

Joelinton, Newcastle goalscorer, speaking to Sky Sports:

There is still a long way to go but the team is improving. A good performance away from home today, three points, two goals, clean sheet. Great mentality from the boys from start to finish to defend our goal and score two to win the game.

We knew we were not playing in the way we wanted to play before, the intensity, the quality, scoring goals, but we just kept working hard every day on the training pitch with positivity. Then when you start to win and score goals the confidence comes back

Belief is high. We started really well and scored the two goals, we could have scored more but didn't and then we lost a bit of control. At the end the most important is the three points and job done.

[Alexander Isak] is amazing. It is so good to have him and to play alongside him because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now and I hope he continues scoring goals and playing amazing because it is good for us.

I knew it was a goal, I headed the ball. Thank you God it was given. Very happy to score one more goal and help the team to win. Time will tell how good we are but we are enjoying football right now. We have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground because there is a long way to go.

Tonight was a monumental moment in Newcastle's history.

I know that may sound dramatic, but ask any Geordie, they have had some terrible times in Manchester over the years.

Tonight, Newcastle have registered just their third win in their last 57 away league games against Manchester United.

Yep, just three.

It's a night those Newcastle fans in the ground will remember for the rest of their lives.

It's certainly the Theatre of Dreams for them tonight.

Newcastle coasted to their win in the second half but they were impressive in the opening 45. They're up to 5th now and if they can keep their best players fit, it is easy to see them making the top four again. Eddie Howe deserves all the credit in the world for the job he is doing in the north east.

Sorry Manchester United fans, but your team is going to get a hammering in this blog tonight.

You can't moan about it either because they are truly terrible at the moment, surely you can all agree about that.

Before the game, we spoke about all the bad records United could break tonight, and well, they have broken them.

It's the first time they have lost three league matches on the bounce at Old Trafford since 1979.

Not only that, but they have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive home matches for the first time in 62 years...

How crazy is that?

and while they are letting them in, they can't find the net at all at the other end.

This is the first time they have failed to score in three successive league games since 2015.

And last but not least, they have suffered five league defeats in the same month for the first time since 1962.

That's a lot of unwanted records, isn't it?

I am still in disbelief at just how bad Manchester United are, I really am.

No matter how bad things got after Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, they still fought near the top of the table.

Now they need to make sure they stay in the division.

That might sound mental, but they are in relegation form at the moment. They have lost five out of their last six league games.

Nobody ever expected them to get this bad, did they?

In Premier League history, four teams who were 14th at the turn of a year have then been relegated.

Are they now in a battle for survival?

Just look at the scenes by the Newcastle away end.

Those fans want to lap up the glory for as long as they can and are making sure the players do too.

It's going to take an army of security to take those players off that pitch, they really won't want to leave.

I mean, why would you?

United are in a relegation fight. I thought that was hyperbole until I saw them play live tonight. They are a poor, poor side with very little to offer going forward, a porous defence and players who still think they are better than they actually are. And they seem to be getting worse, week on week. It's a toxic cocktail.

before we get into just how bad Manchester United are, let's praise Newcastle because they deserve it.

The Magpies were simply superb at Old Trafford, that first 35 minutes was their best display this season.

That's now five wins on the spin in all competitions and they have not conceded in any of their last three.

It means they go fifth in the Premier League and are now just three points behind Chelsea after their defeat.

The players have gone over to their fans and celebrated for some time, they are loving life.

This is not a regular occurrence for Newcastle... so they are bathing in their glory.

And so they should!

Manchester United's misery is brought to an end.

There aren't many boos, somewhat surprisingly, but that may be because there aren't many fans left.

That is Manchester United's fourth defeat on the trot, and the third home defeat in a row.

Things just get worse and worse for Ruben Amorim and his side, it's been a terrible end to 2024 for them.

But my word, it's been a brilliant one for Newcastle.

Bruno Guimaraes has just celebrated a clearance like it's a goal.

The Newcastle fans then chant his name before going into another song at the top of their songs.

That away end in the corner is having the time of its life.

Are the officials being a little bit too kind?

Only three minutes of stoppage time have been added... I was expecting more than that.

It's rare to only get three these days.

Having brought Garnacho off the bench again, Amorim’s decision to send on Antony ahead of Rashford emphasises there is still some way to go for him on the road to redemption.

It feels like it is going to get even worse before it gets better for United. Their next two games are away to Liverpool and Arsenal.

To be fair to the Manchester United fans, they are actually sticking around to see the end of this match tonight.

This second-half performance has been a little better from United, but I am still expecting a lot of boos at the end.

Oh wait, just as I went to click post I have seen a load of fans leave... I spoke too soon.

It doesn't look as though we will be seeing Marcus Rashofrd tonight...

Ruben Amorim turns to the bench again but not to the 27-year-old but to Antony.

It's a very attacking move as he comes on for Matthijs de Ligt for the final moments.

Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock are on for Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.

When did Anthony Gordon come such a good defender?

The Newcastle winger does brilliantly to nick the ball from Amad Diallo is just cocking his leg to pull the trigger.

If Gordon hadn't got there, I'm pretty sure Diallo would have got that on target.

Oh, Fabian...

Schar has just picked up a silly yellow card which means he will miss the trip to Tottenham.

Newcastle could have done without that.

I'm quite surprised that Newcastle have not gone for the jugular here.

Yes, they are going to win this match, I have no doubt about that, but they really could have smashed United if they wanted to.

Instead, they have given Manchester United a little bit of hope, and they are lucky Ruben Amorim's side have lacked quality.

Time is starting to run out now...

The clock is ticking down and while Manchester United have momentum, they don't look like getting back into this.

If they don't score in the next few minutes, you can safely say that the game is over.

Fergie time doesn't exist anymore...

United have livened up in the second half but, let’s face it, they couldn’t have got much worse. They are showing a bit of fight and character for their fans and Amorim, but you also get the feeling Newcastle are trying to get protect what they’ve got. If Eddie Howe’s side needed another goal, they have it in them.

That's a great chance for Leny Yoro!

The young defender is afforded space from a corner and leaps highest to meet the ball.

It's a great header and it flies inches past the post.

If that had gone in we would have got a real grandstand finish here.

Amad Diallo looks miles off how good we know he can be.

He has barely done anything tonight, and after getting on the ball then he makes a terrible decision.

Rather than feeding the ball into the box, he holds it for too long before seeing a shot blocked.

Newcastle are starting to take control of this game again now.

Lewis Hall proves that he is OK by trying to score a cracker like he did at Old Trafford last year.

He races onto te ball outside the area but hammers it miles over the bar.

He should do better really.

Ohhhhh...

Lewis Hall is offside but the flag stays down as he chases down the ball before getting cleaned out by Andre Onana.

The whistle is then blown while Hall is left in a heap on the floor.

Now that is how injuries happen, it's ridiculous. That's why people get so angry when linesmen don't put their flag up.

What if that ended up being serious?

Ruben Amorim is going for it then.

Casemiro is hooked and sprints off the pitch, faster than he has run all game, to be replaced by Alejandro Granacho.

Leny Yoro is also on for Lisandro Martinez who has had an absolute stinker tonight.

Alexander Isak is trying to take matters into his own hands to calm this game down again.

He does brilliantly well to keep the ball on the halfway line and drive away from Diogo Dalot.

Lisandro Martinez then hacks him down and gets a booking for it.

Manchester United are really knocking at the door here!

The hosts have come out with a point to prove and Harry Maguire hits the post.

Matthijs de Ligt then tries to follow the ball in but his effort is blocked by the line.

Old Trafford then comes to life and you just have a feeling United could get a goal here.

Newcastle are starting to rock.

Oh, this is weird.

Kieran Trippier looked like he had pulled his hamstring and Newcastle got Tino Livramenti ready.

But then Trippier recovers miraculously and sprints back onto the pitch.

Eddie Howe is having none of it though, and he takes the full-back off anyway.

Oh, this does not look good for Kieran Trippier.

The full-back has just pulled up with a hamstring problem and his night looks like it's done.

He does not look happy at all...

Ruben Amorim must have really given his side a rollicking at the break, they are suddenly playing football.

While the hosts are not fashioning many chances, they are starting to take control of this game.

Newcastle are giving them some hope here.

That's better from Manchester United!

The Stretford End wake up after Noussair Mazraoui aims for Rasmus Hojlund in the box.

Newcastle manage to put the ball behind for a corner, but the encouragement is still there for the crowd.

If United score next, this game will get interesting.

Old Trafford is really not up for this anymore.

The crowd are so subdued at the start of this second half, but to be fair, their side still aren't giving them anything to cheer about.

It's been a bit slow from both sides in the early moments after the break.

Well, that break went quickly.

Somewhat surprisingly, Ruben Amorim has not made any changes at the break. He was probably too busy laying into his side.

Can they make a miraculous comeback in this second half?

A penny for Joshua Zirkzee's thoughts...

I mean, to be taking off before half-time is every professional player's nightmare, it's just so rare.

Yes, he was playing poorly but that really is a statement from Ruben Amorim, and Zirkzee was the unfortunate recipient.

Could that be the last of the Dutch striker at United?

It will be so hard for Zirkzee to come back from this, it really will. Surely he won't play for a while, if ever again.

I know it shouldn't be a surprise any more but it still is. It's hard to fathom quite how Manchester United have got this bad. They were embarrassing in the first half. Newcastle toyed with them. Amorim's team is in freefall and he looks powerless to do anything about it.

How easy was Newcastle's first?

If you haven't watched the opening goal from Alexander Isak yet, here is your chance.

I have watched it three or four times now and I can't get over how poorly Manchester United defended that Lewis Hall cross.

Isak was in acres of space, it was just far too easy for him. He had the space of Salford Quays.

Crazy.

Dominant first half and only regret for Newcastle will be that two is not three or four. This has played out as expected.

Midfield far too good for Man United, it all looks so easy for Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton. And they can't live with Gordon or Isak, either.

Alexander Isak is inevitable at the moment, isn't he?

The Swede simply can't stop scoring, so it was no surprise it only took him four minutes to score tonight.

It means he has reached 50 Premier League goal involvements in 69 games, scoring 43 goals.

That's the third-fastest by a Newcastle player behind Andrew Cole, who did it in 43 games, and Les Ferdinand in 58.

Not bad company, eh?

There are those boos I was talking about.

The Man United fans show their anger as the half-time whistle goes, and I think that's a very fair reaction given that 45 minutes from their side.

Newcastle outplayed them from the very first whistle and could easily have netted four or five.

I'm not sure how, but United are putting in a worse performance than at Wolves, and maybe even Bournemouth.

It's been all too easy for Newcastle.

Ohhhh, Manchester United should have a goal back!

Newcastle gift Kobbie Mainoo the opportunity to get back in this game as they pass to him right outside the box.

Mainoo slides in Casemiro who is in acres of space but he gets his effort all wrong and bends it wide.

For some reason, Casemiro screams at Mainoo. I'm not sure why, his effort was just rubbish.

A big let-off for Newcastle, that was sloppy.

There will be three more minutes until we hear a lot of boos.

I bet the Manchester United players are not looking forward to hearing them.

Newcastle have lost a little bit of their momentum here.

That being said, it's not like Manchester United are giving them anything to worry about.

This game is coasting to half-time.

Oh dear...

Casemiro has just put in a candidate for worst shot of the season. Yep, it's that bad.

If Old Trafford wasn't so big, the Brazilian's shot would have left the ground.

High and wide doesn't do it justice.

This is men against boys, it really is.

Manchester United just can't get going and are allowing Newcastle to make them look silly.

Liusandro Martinez literally passes the ball straight back to Anthony Gordon outside the box.

Just hoof it!

Joshua Zirkzee is back...

The forward has arisen from the tunnel with a lucozade and takes to the bench again with his hood up.

I bet he wishes he is anywhere but there.

Rasmus Hojlund comes close to grabbing a goal back out of nowhere!

The striker is slid through down the left and has nobody else running with him.

He looks at his non-existent options and then tries to arrow the ball low into the far corner.

It flashes just past the post...

Oh no...

Ruben Amorim has seen enough already and has decided to make a change.

Joshua Zirkzee is the unlucky man to be hooked off and you have to feel for him.

While he has been poor, it's never nice to be hooked off before half-time when you are not injured.

He is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo, grabs his coat, and then walks straight down the tunnel.

How has that not three?

Newcastle are ripping Manchester United apart at will, and Sandro Tonali should score.

The Magpies flow through the hosts and it ends with Tonali almost walking it into the net.

But somehow he hits the post...

What a finish that is from Alexander Isak!

He smashes the ball into the top corner when the ball breaks his way into the area.

But as he is celebrating the flag goes up and it's because he is absolutely miles offside.

Still, that was one hell of a finish.

Kieran Trippier seems to be trying to copy Matheus Cunha.

He now tries to score directly from a corner and comes so close, with the ball just curly past the far post.

It's mental just how bad United are at defending set-pieces and crosses.

What a goal that would have been!

Sandro Tonali has been brilliant in this first time and now he wants to get in on the goals.

He decides to have a crack from distance and it flashes just past the post.

For a second, I thought that was heading in.

United are actually getting worse game by game. They had chances in the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth and didn’t take them, and then created very little at Wolves on Boxing Day.

So far tonight, they have looked toothless in attack and scared stiff in defence. Two simple crosses have opened them up. It feels like Amorim has to consider changing his tactics or Utd will end up in a relegation battle.

These Manchester United fans are absolutely fuming.

Joshua Zirkzee loses the ball during a rare attack and they really let him know what they think... not in a positive way.

There are going to be a lot of boos at half-time if it stays like this.

Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali play a 1-2 in midfield. So easy. Out wide to Gordon in space. So easy. He is allowed to cross. So easy. Joelinton (6ft3) wanders unmarked into the goalmouth to head home. So easy.

Is Joelinton lucky that VAR didn't rule that out?

the ball looked as though it came off the top of his arm, but because it's his sleeve the goal stands.

Either way, Newcastle deserve to be two ahead, they are battering United here.

Newcastle are in dreamland!

It's de ja vu as once again the Magpies find the back of the net from a cross into the box.

Lewis Hall whips the ball into the area and this time it's Joelinto who gets on the end of the ball to head home.

It's ridiculously easy, and this could get messy.

Alexander Isak, is that really you?

Newcastle really should be two to the good and Isak should have his second of the night.

He is sent racing away on the counter after a simple ball over the top and he has all the time in the world to finish it off.

But he tries to be too clever with a little chip and it's a poor effort, Andre Onana deals with it.

He should do better.

Manchester United can barely get near the ball.

It's not even been 20 minutes yet and the Old Trafford crowd are already getting frustrated.

It's groans galore.

It wasn’t a set-piece this time but United were opened up far too easily by a cross from the left. It took a slight nick off Mazraoui but there was still far too much space for Isak in between Maguire and Martinez. United look terrified every time the opponent gets near their goal.

So good is Sandro Tonali right now, he's just nutmegged the referee!

Oh, it's so close to two!

It's wave after wave of Newcastle attacks and this time Anthony Gordon comes close.

The ball is whipped to the back post and Gordon peels away from Noussair Mazraoui.

But the angle is just too tight for him and he prods the ball over.

This could be a hammering, you know.

Alexander Isak is on absolute fire and he sends Matthijs de Ligt on a plane back to Munich with a lovely bit of skill.

United are there for the taking, Newcastle need to take advantage while they can.

My word, Newcastle are running rings around Manchester United.

Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have complete control of the midfield and it's making the visitors tick.

And just as I type that, Anthony Gordon rinses Noussair Mazraoui down the right but his cross is cleared.

This has been a superb start for Newcastle, it really has.

After goals in the first and second minutes in their last two matches, NUFC leave it late here and it takes until the 4th minute for Isak to score #slowstart.

Alexander Isak really is a joke, isn't he?

That's his 11th Premier League goal in as many games, he just can't stop scoring.

He could get a bucketful tonight the way this game has started.

Who else??

Of course, Alexander Isak had to be the player to open the scoring and it only takes him four minutes.

It's all too easy for the Swede as he is left in acres of space to head home Lewis Hall's lovely cross.

The worst possible start for Manchester United and the best possible one for Newcastle.

The in-form striker Isak delivers yet again.

Andre Onana.... jeez.

The Manchester United keeper has been shaky in recent weeks and he had the stadium holding its breath there.

He rushes out of his box as Alexander Isak hunts down the ball, and only just gets there first.

That was close.

Man United practising defending corners just half an hour before kick-off does have the feel of revising for an exam on the bus to school...

That's a little better from the United fans, they have found their voice.

All four stands belt out 'Take Me Home, United Road', it's really quite impressive.

They continue to sing as Alexander Isak gets this game underway before letting out a huge roar.

Old Trafford does not feel optimistic tonight...

It is eerily quiet inside the ground as the two teams come out of the tunnel, which is not a regular occurrence.

All you can hear are the Newcastle fans in the corner and thankfully they try to drown out the Premier League anthem.

Yep, I still don't like it.

I bet Anthony Gordon is itching to get out on that pitch.

Why, you ask?

Well, last season he scored both home and away against Manchester United, and he was superb in both games.

No Newcastle player has ever scored in three consecutive Premier League games against the Red Devils.

Will Gordon be the first?

Gary Neville, former Man United captain, on Sky Sports:

When you look at the Manchester United team and then you look at the Newcastle team...how many players would Newcastle take out of the Manchester United team?

There wouldn't be many. An in-form Onana maybe and Amad over Murphy. But I was struggling with the rest.

Marcus Rashford is looking like a happy chappy!

I mean, there is no surprise there, I bet he has been itching to get back on the Old Trafford turf.

He looked moody earlier, but it's good to see that he is enjoying the warm-up.

Will this be the only time he makes the pitch, though?

How are we all feeling?

Kick-off is edging closer and closer now and the fans are starting to flock to Old Trafford.

They all seem fairly happy too, even the Manchester United fans which is a shock.

Which set of supporters will be smiling come full-time?

Ruben Amorim, Man United boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

Selection, and we have a lot of players outside [out] so he's in. Like I've said, every week I choose my players and he was there to be chosen. This time, he is here.

Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, on BBC Sport:

I said before Christmas that I thought Newcastle would hit their stride and they have done exactly that. The way they are playing, they should win at Old Trafford and make it four league wins in a row.

Manchester United's form is the exact opposite. I am not concerned about Ruben Amorim getting the sack but it really does not help when your goalkeeper keeps on conceding goals direct from a corner - that is under-12s stuff.

I remember it happening when I was watching my son play when he was about 15 and he got done off a corner. I told him you would never see it happen to a professional goalkeeper, but it has happened twice in two weeks. You could not make it up.

That has got to stop, because they are rubbish. That is not on Amorim because we will judge him when he has a chance to bring in his own players but, for now, we have to see them for what they are, which is a really poor side.

Can you believe it, I am writing a positive post about Manchester United.

I have not been able to do that too much recently, I can't lie.

But United's record against Newcastle is very good, especially at Old Trafford.

United have lost just one of their last 39 home league games against Newcastle, winning 28 of them.

That one loss was back in December 2013 under David Moyes.

Old Trafford has been the 'Theatre of Nightmares' for Eddie Howe in the past, and most certainly not the place of dreams.

Why, you ask?

Well, Howe has managed seven Premier League games away at Manchester United and not one a single one.

He has only picked up two points from a possible 21, losing five league matches there.

The Newcastle boss did manage to guide his side to a 3-0 win there last season, but that was in the Carabao Cup.

I bet he is desperate to break his league hoodoo there tonight.

Ruben Amorim, Man United boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

A little bit, yes [I've found it more difficult than I expected] because of the schedule. You get that feeling when you're here... you don't have a lot of time to train, you just have to prepare for the next game.

I think we will have more time to train but we know with bad results, it's really difficult to sell an idea so we will try to do the same thing but with more time.

No [I won't change my ideas' because for me it would be the end. You have to be really focused on your idea. If you start changing because of the results, it's the end for any coach and I know that really clear.

I'm trying to adapt to win games - this I will do as it's really important to win games but I will not selling my idea as it is the only one. I was hired because of that idea, and in these difficult moments, if you change your mind, it is the end for any coach.

December is meant to be a month of joy and festivities, is it not?

Well, that has not been the case for Manchester United this year, they've had a nightmare month.

The Red Devils have lost four Premier League matches this month, more than any other team.

They have only won two league matches, and while one of them was the Manchester Derby, that's not good enough.

Ruben Amorim will be thankful when January rolls around in two days.

I'm not a fan of Bruno Fernandes as a captain but he is consistently Manchester United's best player and the last thing they need in the midst of such a miserable run is to be missing him through suspension tonight. His absence is another reason why it'll be a shock if Newcastle don't win this evening.

I bet some of you are a little bewildered at reading that sub-heading, but bear with me.

Everybody knows that Ruben Amorim is a talented coach and that his project will take a long time.

The question I am asking is whether he will get that time.

His results have been far from positive. After a promising start, his United side have slipped into worse form than they were in under Erik ten Hag.

I can't lie, I didn't think that was possible.

While Amorim's system is clear for all to see, the players he has at his disposal just don't suit it.

With Newcastle tonight, and then Liverpool in the New Year, there are surely some concerns with how far down the table United could drop.

If they lose tonight, unrest will really start to grow, even if he is only less than two months into the job.

Or am I being silly and will Ineos actually be patient unlike they have been at French side Nice.

How are you feeling about Amorim, United fans?

It was time for Ruben Amorim to bring back Marcus Rashford. The issue was becoming a distraction and benefitting no one at United.

If Amorim wants to re-integrate the player, four games is long enough to be out. If he wants to sell him in January, then freezing out Rashford was only weakening United's bargaining position.

Amid all the Rashford talk, it's interesting that Alejandro Garnacho is on the bench for the fourth game since he too was dropped for the Manchester derby. Clearly, he hasn't completely redeemed himself either.

Gary Neville, former Man United captain, on Sky Sports:

They have gone backwards but hopefully, that is backwards to go forwards. There are very slim pickings in terms of positives in the first few weeks.

Maybe the most positive thing is that he has seen what these players really are and we are not getting the bounce which may have made him think they are better than they are.

I think he thought it was a big job but it's a massive job and he is finding that out early when his a position of power and strength.

Right, we have to talk about the return of Marcus Rashford.

We knew it was going to come at some point and tonight is that night with many players unavailable.

Going by this picture, he doesn't exactly look that happy to be back.

Maybe that's because he is still on the bench and may not even get any minutes.

If United are losing though, I'm sure he will.

Alexander Isak is such a silky striker, I absolutely love watching him play.

Personally, I believe he is the most in-form strike in the Premier League at the moment.

Some of you may have just asked 'What about Mo Salah?', well, he's a winger so doesn't count.

Isak has been on smoke recently, scoring for fun.

The Swede has netted 10 times in his last 10 Premier League matches, even scoring his first Newcastle hat-trick in that time.

Only Salah, Erling Haaland, and Cole Palmer have scored more league goals than Isak this season.

He really is hot property and Newcastle are lucky to have a hold of him, especially with the transfer window coming up.

I mean, he has an air of Thierry Henry about him with the way he glides across the pitch, and also his finishing.

Every single time I watch Isak play, I get flashbacks to the glory years of Henry.

But the real question is, can Isak continue his hot streak tonight?

As expected, Newcastle are unchanged here. Eddie Howe has found a winning formula on the back of four straight victories and he's sticking to it.

And when you look at Man United's line-up - Maguire and De Ligt at centre-back - you'd say Alexander Isak should be licking his lips, because his pace should terrify that pair.

Newcastle's XI is stronger than Man United's. If they can overcome the mental hurdle of the club having won here only once in the league since 1972, they should be able to go and make it five wins on the spin.

If Manchester United lose tonight, it will break a whole host of records.

I've already told you all about the fact that they have not lost three league matches on the bounce at Old Trafford since 1979.

Well, they have lost their last two against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, conceding three goals in both.

United have not conceded three or more goals in three consecutive home matches in 62 years...

I mean, if they let in three tonight, Old Trafford will go blooming barmy. It will not be a nice place to be. Well, unless you're a Newcastle fan.

The unwanted records don't stop there, though.

If United fail to find the net tonight, it will be the first time they have failed to score in three successive league games since 2015.

And Ruben Amorim's side are aiming to avoid five league defeats in the same month since 1962.

I mean, that's pretty crazy, isn't it?

If you needed anything to tell you just how badly United have been playing, then these statistics tell you all you need to know.

United really, really, really need those three points tonight.

Why change a winning formula, eh?

Eddie Howe has kept with the side that convincingly beat Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

However, Tino Livramento is back in the squad after injury, which is a bonus for Eddie Howe.

Is this the side that can make it four league wins in a row?

Well, well, well... we have our answer.

After a four-match exile, Marcus Rashford is back in the Manchester United matchday squad, taking his place on the bench.

When it comes to the starting line-up, Ruben Amorim has made four changes.

Bruno Fernandes is unavailable after his red card against Wolves and Joshua Zirkzee comes in for him.

Matthijs de Ligt, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen also come in.

It really does feel like the beginning of the end for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United.

He has not featured for the club in their last four matches, not ven making the squad in any of those.

We keep wondering if Ruben Amorim will feed him back into the squad, but there seems to be no sign of that happening soon.

However, does Amorim need to bite the bullet and bring Rashford back?

United have lost their last three matches without him and are missing both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte due to suspension.

Given their absentees and poor form, it feels like the perfect opportunity to give the 27-year-old another chance.

We will find out if he gets one very soon...

Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, speaking ahead of the game:

Every time you play is an opportunity and I have always had that belief as a player and a manager. You never know what will happen. It is a blank canvas. What can we achieve in this game? It will be down to our attitude first. It is a fixture we should try to attack and keep our rhythm and be the best version of ourselves.

Well, I hope that we are hungry and we are looking forward to this game. I hope we are ready for it. It is a big test for us and a big opportunity, we will try to grab it if we can. There is always an opportunity. This year seems unpredictable. Results you see Chelsea lose…there are upsets. It is great for the Premier League. You never quite know what will happen.

Unpredictability brings excitement. The challenge for us is to be the team who is consistent, a team who can produce results when not expected. We are going into a run of games now which will really test us and will be one of the deciding factors on where we will finish. We go to some tough away grounds but we look forward to those and try to maintain our good form.

Newcastle have been on absolute fire recently, haven't they?

Not long ago, Geordies were unhappy due to the inconsistency of their side after losing away at Brentford.

Since then, the Magpies have really turned it around, winning their last four matches in all competitions.

They have been banging the goals in too, I'll tell you that for free.

Newcastle have netted 14 goals in those four wins after netting five in the two matches before that.

Tonight, they can climb up to fifth with a victory and put real pressure on the top four.

That's not a sentence I was expecting to write at the beginning of the month, but then again, this season has been utterly bonkers so far.

So, that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if they ran rampant at Old Trafford this evening.

But who knows, eh?

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United boss, speaking on Boxing Day:

The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable. I know the business that I am in. I know that if we do not win – regardless if they paid the buyout or not – I know that every manager is in danger and I like that, because that is our job.

You can say that I have been here a month and I have had four training [sessions], but we are not winning. So I have that; that is a reality, and I am quite comfortable with that.

We have to fight against everything, because our supporters are always there. But they are tired of this moment. We have to expect that any play from Newcastle near our box is going to make the stadium nervous and our players have to cope with that.

It is a very strong team, very fast, with a lot of pace and a lot of time with the same coach. We want to be competitive and try to win the game. That is all.

I bet Manchester United fans simply can't wait for this year to be over.

There is no doubt that 2024 has been one of the worst years in United's history, by some way too.

To say it's been miserable is an understatement.

Yes, they may have won an FA Cup, but they have also broken a multitude of records, which are not good ones.

No matter what happens tonight, the Red Devils will end the year in the bottom half of the table.

That doesn't happen very often, does it?

In fact, it's the first time since 1989 when they finished the year down in 15th.

Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim will be desperate for his side to close out 2024 in a positive manner.

They are aiming to avoid three consecutive league losses at home for the first time since 1979 tonight.

Can they claim a much-needed victory?

My word, time has flown by, hasn't it?

It feels like just yesterday that Liverpool and Newcastle opened the curtains to what has been an eventful 2024.

It's brought happiness, sadness, and even laughter to supporters up and down the country.

And now Newcastle are back again to close the show as they travel to Manchester United.

Get the remainder of your Christmas chocolates ready, a drink of your choice, and sit down and enjoy the show.

I can tell you for certain, we are going to go out with a bang!

For one last time, let's get this show on the road.