Manchester United’s disastrous Premier League campaign continued on Monday as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford, marking their fifth loss in six games. Jamie Carragher did not hold back, branding the team’s recent performances as “relegation form.”
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The Red Devils, led by new manager Ruben Amorim, were undone early by goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, both coming in the opening 20 minutes. Newcastle dominated the first half, exposing United’s frailties in midfield and defense.
While the second half saw a marginal improvement from the home side, they lacked any real attacking threat, managing only to stabilize the game rather than mount a comeback.
Carragher criticized Amorim’s tactical choices, particularly his decision to start Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in central midfield. He pointed out their lack of pace, which left the team vulnerable against Newcastle’s relentless pressure.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher remarked, “We’ve been discussing Eriksen and Casemiro for 18 months. This is on the manager. These players can’t run, and putting them in that system was a recipe for failure. That’s a major flaw.”
He added, “I’m not blaming Eriksen or Casemiro—they’re doing their best. But this is a managerial error. This plan could never have worked.”
Carragher also highlighted the broader issues within the team, noting a general lack of athleticism across the pitch. “It wasn’t just central midfield,” he said. “Look at center-back, the front three—even Zirkzee up top. He can’t run or move. This team looked destined to lose from the start.”
This December has been particularly grim for United, with five league defeats in a single month—a feat not seen since September 1962.
Amorim’s side now sits 14th in the table, just seven points above the relegation zone. With Ipswich’s victory over Chelsea on the same night, the Red Devils’ precarious position has only worsened, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether the club is heading toward an unthinkable relegation battle.
