Manchester United’s disastrous 2024/25 Premier League campaign reached a new, painful low on Sunday, as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The crushing defeat marked another significant milestone in a season to forget for the Red Devils, confirming this as their worst-ever performance in the Premier League. The loss also makes it impossible for United to improve on their previous lowest-ever points tally of 58, set during the 2021/22 season, as they have already endured their 14th defeat of the current campaign, matching last season’s dismal record for most losses in a Premier League season. 

The match itself unfolded dramatically, with United showing brief glimpses of resilience but ultimately collapsing in the second half. Newcastle's first goal came early in the match, as Sandro Tonali calmly slotted home following a precise and clever flick assist from Alexander Isak. United, however, managed to grab an unlikely equaliser in the 20th minute against the run of play. Alejandro Garnacho, who had been largely anonymous in the first half, took advantage of a well-placed pass from Diogo Dalot and finished coolly to make it 1-1.

Despite the brief hope brought on by the equaliser, United's defensive fragility was exposed again after the break, leading to a catastrophic second half. The home team regained their lead in the 51st minute when Harvey Barnes found himself in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range after a cross from Jacob Murphy. Just minutes later, United's defence crumbled again, and Barnes scored his second of the match. This time, he capitalised on poor defending and a series of mistakes from the United backline to drive home his goal.

Newcastle’s dominance continued, and Bruno Guimaraes sealed the deal with a fourth goal in the 69th minute, following a disastrous clearance from United’s backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who was filling in for the rested Andre Onana. Guimaraes pounced on the loose ball and netted the final goal, sending the Newcastle fans into raptures and making it a 4-1 victory.

The result saw Newcastle, under the temporary management of assistant coach Jason Tindall with Eddie Howe watching from the hospital, rise to fourth in the Premier League table. With a game in hand, they are in a strong position to push for a Champions League spot as they continue their impressive season. Their next challenge will be a home game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, as they look to maintain their momentum.

For Manchester United, the defeat only deepened their woes, and to add to their troubles, striker Joshua Zirkzee limped off the field injured. With no sign of improvement in sight, United’s next focus will be their Europa League clash against Lyon, which has now become a must-win fixture if they are to salvage any hope of European qualification for next season. The pressure is mounting, and with a season already in tatters, the Red Devils are running out of time to turn things around.