Newcastle outclass Man Utd 4-1 to climb into the top four

Newcastle United secured their fifth consecutive win in all competitions with a dominant 4-1 victory over a struggling Manchester United at St James' Park. Goals from Harvey Barnes (2), Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães sealed a comfortable victory for the Magpies, lifting them back into the top four and putting further pressure on their underperforming visitors.

With Chelsea failing to win earlier in the day, Newcastle now hold a two-point advantage over the Blues in sixth, with the top five places now guaranteeing qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League group stage.

Manchester United were without regular goalkeeper André Onana for the first time this season, as manager Ruben Amorim decided to drop him following a series of high-profile errors. Altay Bayindir was given his first Premier League start, but his debut was marred by a series of mistakes that contributed to United's heavy defeat.

Eddie Howe was also absent from the touchline due to a recent health scare, but his absence did little to hinder Newcastle, who were dominant throughout the match.

Newcastle opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Sandro Tonali, who volleyed a superb pass from Alexander Isak into the corner for his second goal in three Premier League appearances. This was part of a worrying trend for Manchester United, who have now conceded the first goal in 19 Premier League matches this season—matching their joint-most in a single campaign (also in 2013-14).

United responded just 13 minutes later through Alejandro Garnacho, who finished off a quick counter-attack. Diogo Dalot surged into the attacking third and crossed for Garnacho to slot past Nick Pope. It was a much-needed goal for Garnacho, who had scored only once in his previous 28 competitive appearances for United.

Newcastle regained the lead early in the second half, with Harvey Barnes scoring his first competitive home goal since September 1. Tino Livramento's excellent cross from the left found Jacob Murphy, who cut the ball back for Barnes to tap in from close range. This goal marked Barnes' fourth consecutive league appearance with a goal involvement, equalling his longest run in the Premier League.

Barnes added his second and Newcastle's third midway through the second half, capitalising on a defensive mistake by Noussair Mazraoui. Barnes stole the ball from Mazraoui, charged into the box, and calmly placed the ball into the top corner. With his brace, Barnes became only the second Newcastle player to score twice against Manchester United in the Premier League, following Alan Shearer's double in December 2000.

Bruno Guimarães made it 4-1 in the 77th minute, scoring Newcastle's fourth goal after a mistake by Bayindir. The goalkeeper misjudged a pass, which was intercepted by Joelinton's header, allowing Guimarães to score. This was Newcastle's first 4-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League since September 2001.

Manchester United's dreadful season continues as they now sit in 14th place with just 38 points from 32 matches, with only six games left to play. This loss means United have now been beaten home and away by four different clubs in the Premier League this season—something they haven't experienced since the 1957-58 campaign.

The defeat guarantees that Manchester United will record their lowest-ever Premier League points tally in a season.