First-half goals from Conor Hourihane and Anwar El Ghazi four minutes apart was the difference at Villa Park as Steve Bruce’s side remained 14th in the Premier League. Our Newcastle writer Miles Starforth has dished out his player ratings following the match. Scroll down and flick through our gallery to see who shone and struggled:
5. Ciaran Clark - 5
Passed a fitness test to line up against his old club, won’t have enjoyed his return to Villa Park. 5 Photo: Mark Runnacles
6. Jetro Willems - 5
Wasn’t able to get forward, pegged back in his own half for most of the game. 5 Photo: Getty Images
7. Isaac Hayden - 5
Nowhere near his best, tested Heaton with a shot as United tried to get back into the game. 5 Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. Jonjo Shelvey - 4
Handed the captain’s armband, the game passed him by in the first half. 4 Photo: Alex Pantling