Manchester United return to St. James’ Park this weekend seeking to demonstrate progress under Ruben Amorim following their humiliating 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford in December.
That loss represented one of the lowest points in United’s dismal season, with Gary Neville describing the performance as “embarrassing” and claiming they were “the worst pound-for-pound team in the country.” Alexander Isak and Joelinton scored for Newcastle in a match where the visitors dominated so comprehensively that Neville remarked: “Newcastle are having the time of their lives out there. They should be three or four up.”
The defeat came during Amorim’s first month in charge, exposing the enormous challenge facing the Portuguese manager. “Worrying times for Manchester United and Amorim,” Neville said at the time. “He knew it was a big job but I think it is far bigger than he ever imagined.”
Since that December nadir, United have shown marginal improvement, avoiding the three-match losing streaks that plagued them earlier in the season. However, even their positive results have often been unconvincing – a late Amad hat-trick against struggling Southampton, a deflected winner against Fulham, and a last-gasp equalizer at Everton.
Their recent draw with Manchester City, while respectable on paper, highlighted how far both Manchester clubs remain from their aspirations. Roy Keane has rejected Amorim’s claims of progress, stating bluntly that “my eyes don’t lie to me” when assessing United’s performances.
The upcoming fixture at Newcastle represents a significant opportunity for Amorim to demonstrate that genuine improvement has occurred since December’s embarrassment. With United destined for their first bottom-half Premier League finish, the manager desperately needs positive results in their remaining fixtures against Newcastle, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.
Bruno Fernandes has emerged as United’s standout performer in recent months, but questions remain about whether other squad members can adapt to Amorim’s tactical approach. The manager has maintained his commitment to his playing style despite the team’s struggles, even acknowledging earlier in the season that relegation wasn’t entirely out of the question.
Sunday’s match will provide compelling evidence of whether United have truly begun their long road to recovery or if they remain stuck in their downward spiral.
