‘So predictable’ - Newcastle United slammed after ‘bizarre’ Manchester United clash
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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Shay Given has labelled Newcastle United’s performance against Manchester United as ‘predictable’ following yet another defeat on the road in the Premier League.
The Magpies have now won just six points from a possible 27 on the road this season and have lost back-to-back matches away from home following defeats to Sunderland and then at Old Trafford. Defeat in Manchester meant that they missed the opportunity to move into the top-half of the table as they slipped six points behind their hosts.
A Patrick Dorgu goal was enough to seal all three points for Ruben Amorim’s side as Newcastle United pushed, in vain, to find an equaliser in the second half. And for Given, who worked the match as a pundit, his former side were simply too ‘predictable’ in their approach as they worked for an equaliser.
“One victory away from home all season. They were just so predictable,” Given said.
“Getting the ball wide, crosses, just so easy to play against. Why not just try Woltemade and Wissa? Keep both of them on.
“Go old-school, 4-4-2, if you’re getting balls wide then get them in the box. They were getting it wide and crossing it to Wissa, who’s not as dominant as Woltemade.”
Gary Neville and Roy Keane react to Man Utd win v Newcastle United
At Old Trafford, former Manchester United duo Gary Neville and Roy Keane were on punditry duty for Sky Sports and watched on as their former side won their first game against the Magpies since May 2024. In a surprising move, the Red Devils started the game with a back four, rather than a back five as Amorim has favoured during his managerial career.
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For Neville, that move was the correct call as he questioned the decision to shift back in the second half.
“An incredible second half,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “I thought Manchester United edged the first half. I thought they did really well, but then the substitutions came.
“The shape, the players on the pitch got even more bizarre, but they hung on. He [Ayden Heaven] was absolutely outstanding, that young man.
“He was absolutely brilliant. He headed everything clear, and he rightly gets a hug from Luke Shaw and the coaching staff.”
Keane, meanwhile, was slightly more positive about his former side’s performance, praising them for their resilience to repel the threats of their visitors: “A big night for them [Manchester United],” Keane added.
“We talk about the players they're missing, and to get a clean sheet, a lot of young players getting an opportunity. It certainly wasn't pretty to watch.
“I've said it many times before, give me the points over the plaudits any time of the week. An ugly win, but a huge win for them.”
Newcastle United have just a few days to recover from that defeat when they again hit the road to face Burnley at Turf Moor. Howe and his side will be desperate to transform their fortunes away from home when they travel to Lancashire to face a side sat in the relegation zone and one they beat at St James’ Park earlier this month.