Newcastle 4-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings as Barnes Brace Propels Magpies to Fourth

Newcastle United produced a commanding 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park, a result that has significantly bolstered their hopes of Champions League qualification. The win not only propelled Eddie Howe’s men back into the Premier League’s top four but also marked their first league double over Manchester United in 93 years. While the Magpies were ruthless in the second half, Manchester United’s performance was woeful, with a series of errors compounding their struggles.

An Outstanding Second Half from Newcastle

For a team that has been riding high on the back of their Carabao Cup triumph earlier this season, Newcastle were sensational in the second half, showing a level of intensity and clinical finishing that Manchester United simply could not match. The victory felt even more significant given the distraction of manager Eddie Howe’s hospitalisation just days before the match, proving that Newcastle’s squad has well and truly internalised the lessons imparted by their head coach.

Tonali’s Early Opener

The game started with promise from both sides, but it was Newcastle who struck first. Sandro Tonali’s stunning volley midway through the first half set the tone for what was to come. Alexander Isak, ever the creative threat, delivered a perfectly weighted lobbed ball over the top, which Tonali controlled with composure before rifling home a spectacular volley. It was a goal that not only displayed Tonali’s technical prowess but also his growing importance to the team.

However, just when it seemed like Newcastle might take control, Manchester United equalised. Alejandro Garnacho, whose form had been questioned in recent months, delivered a well-taken finish to level things up before the break. It was just his second goal in 29 matches, a stat that highlights the difficulty United have had in getting consistent performances from their attacking players.

Harvey Barnes’ Moment to Shine

The second half, however, was where the game was truly decided. Harvey Barnes, who has seized his opportunity in the starting lineup following Anthony Gordon’s injury, was the star of the show. The England international was a constant threat down the left wing, and it didn’t take long for him to give Newcastle the lead once more. Just four minutes after the restart, Barnes latched onto a clever cutback from Jacob Murphy and fired home with clinical precision.

Barnes wasn’t done there. In the 57th minute, he capitalised on a catastrophic slip from Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan full-back’s mistake allowed Barnes to race clear and finish past substitute goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who had come in for the dropped Andre Onana. It was a devastating blow for United, and Barnes’ second goal of the game, his eighth Premier League strike of the season, epitomised just how much of a difference his inclusion in the starting XI has made.

Bruno Guimaraes’ Effort Caps Off the Victory

If Manchester United’s defending was poor, their goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made things worse. A dreadful clearance from the Turkish shot-stopper found its way to Bruno Guimaraes after a header from Joelinton. Guimaraes, ever the composed presence in midfield, took a touch and slotted the ball home with ease, sealing the win and sending the St James’ Park faithful into raptures. At 4-1, the match was effectively over, and United’s hopes of staging a comeback were dashed.

Player Ratings

Newcastle United

Bruno Guimaraes scored the fourth Newcastle goal / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

Nick Pope (7.2/10)
Pope didn’t have too much to do in terms of shot-stopping but was solid when called upon, making some important claims and keeping things secure at the back.

Kieran Trippier (7.5/10)
The club captain was involved in much of Newcastle’s play from the right flank. His crossing was top-notch, and defensively, he was solid as well.

Fabian Schar (6.8/10)
A fairly quiet day for Schar, who was part of a defence that had to deal with the occasional threat from United, especially in the first half.

Dan Burn (7.9/10)
Burn put in a solid performance at the back, winning important aerial duels and helping to keep United at bay in the second half when they came forward.

Tino Livramento (7.3/10)
Livramento was energetic down the left and contributed defensively and offensively. His pace was a useful asset against United’s counter-attacks.

Bruno Guimaraes (8.2/10)
The Brazilian was a driving force in the middle, both defensively and offensively. He didn’t shy away from winning tackles and showed great composure to finish off the game with a goal.

Sandro Tonali (8.2/10)
Tonali was exceptional in midfield, showcasing his technical ability with the stunning opening goal. He played a key role in dictating the tempo of the game.

Joelinton (7.4/10)
A solid performance from Joelinton, who worked tirelessly in midfield. He was crucial defensively and helped transition the ball forward, linking up play well.

Jacob Murphy (8.2/10)
Murphy’s contribution in the build-up to Barnes’ first goal was key. His work rate and ability to create chances continue to impress, and he was unlucky not to have added his own goal.

Alexander Isak (8.0/10)
Isak’s link-up play was excellent, and his creativity in the final third was a constant threat. He didn’t get on the scoresheet but was integral to Newcastle’s attacking flow.

Harvey Barnes (8.9/10)
Barnes was undoubtedly the man of the match. Two goals and a constant outlet down the left-wing made him a nightmare for United’s defence. His performance could not have been more timely.

Manchester United

Altay Bayindir made a big error after replacing Andre Onana / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

Altay Bayindir (4.8/10)
Bayindir’s performance was underwhelming. He was caught out on several occasions, and his poor clearance led directly to Guimaraes’ goal. A difficult outing for the Turkish goalkeeper.

Noussair Mazraoui (4.1/10)
Mazraoui was responsible for a catastrophic error in the second half, allowing Barnes to score. His general defensive performance was shaky, and he struggled to cope with Newcastle’s pace.

Victor Lindelof (5.0/10)
Lindelof had a tough time dealing with the pace and physicality of Isak and Barnes. He didn’t make any glaring mistakes, but his positioning was often questionable.

Leny Yoro (5.5/10)
The young centre-back was decent in the first half but showed his inexperience at times. He could not contain Newcastle’s attacking force in the second half.

Diogo Dalot (7.6/10)
Dalot was perhaps United’s brightest player. He provided some attacking width on the right and defended reasonably well, even if it wasn’t enough to prevent the collapse.

Manuel Ugarte (7.7/10)
Ugarte worked hard in midfield, breaking up Newcastle’s attacks and attempting to impose some control over the game. He was one of United’s better performers.

Christian Eriksen (6.5/10)
Eriksen struggled to have much of an impact on the game. He was caught in possession at times, and his passing wasn’t as sharp as usual.

Harry Amass (6.2/10)
Amass had a mixed performance on the left side. He didn’t contribute much going forward, and defensively, he was found wanting against Newcastle’s attacking players.

Bruno Fernandes (7.0/10)
Fernandes tried to influence the game with his passing and creativity but was largely ineffective in the second half as Newcastle took control.

Alejandro Garnacho (7.3/10)
Garnacho’s goal was the highlight of his performance, but overall, he struggled to make an impact in the second half as United’s defence crumbled.

Joshua Zirkzee (6.2/10)
Zirkzee was anonymous for most of the match. His physicality wasn’t enough to trouble Newcastle’s defenders, and he was substituted in the second half.

United’s Troubles Continue

With this defeat, Manchester United’s struggles show no sign of letting up. They now find themselves in 14th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and their goal difference has taken a significant hit. It’s clear that a complete overhaul is needed, starting with addressing the defensive frailties and finding a way to get their attacking players firing consistently.

For Newcastle, however, the future looks incredibly bright. Their top-four aspirations remain intact, and performances like these demonstrate just how far the team has come under Eddie Howe. With players like Barnes, Isak, and Guimaraes firing on all cylinders, they’ll take a lot of confidence into the remainder of the season as they chase their Champions League dream.