EPL: Manchester United Suffers Fourth Consecutive Loss as Chelsea Stunned by Ipswich

Manchester United’s struggles continue with a fourth straight defeat, while Chelsea suffers an unexpected loss to lowly Ipswich in a dramatic EPL weekend.

Manchester United concluded a challenging 2024 with their fourth consecutive loss as Newcastle secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, increasing the pressure on Red Devils’ manager Ruben Amorim.

Just two months into his tenure, Amorim admitted this week that he could lose his job if the results don’t start to improve.

The Portuguese manager has secured only two victories in his first nine league matches, leaving United struggling in 14th place, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Alexander Isak and Joelinton scored within the first 19 minutes, securing a fifth consecutive win that propelled the Magpies into fifth place.

Amorim watched in shock during the first half as Newcastle effortlessly sliced through the home team’s defense.

With just over three minutes remaining on the clock, Isak found space inside the six-yard box and headed in Lewis Hall’s cross to score for his sixth consecutive Premier League game.

Manchester United’s Portuguese head coach, Ruben Amorim, gives instructions to the players from the sidelines during an English Premier League match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

United sorely felt the absence of their suspended captain, Bruno Fernandes, as Newcastle’s midfield trio—Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton—effortlessly maneuvered around Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Isak missed a significant opportunity to extend the visitors’ lead by mishitting an attempted chip over Andre Onana. Additionally, the Swedish striker had a goal disallowed for offside.

Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before Newcastle scored again. The second goal came when Joelinton surged forward to connect with Anthony Gordon’s cross.

Amorim reacted by substituting Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo after only 33 minutes, a decision that was met with cheers from the frustrated crowd at Old Trafford.

Tonali came close to making it 3-0, hitting the post at the culmination of a smooth Newcastle play that sliced through the center of United’s defense.

However, Eddie Howe’s team almost allowed the Red Devils a chance to get back into the game before halftime.

Rasmus Hojlund squandered a golden opportunity to score when the Dane shot wide, despite having only Martin Dubravka in his path.

Casemiro squandered an even more promising chance after Fabian Schar handed possession over to Mainoo.

Amorim’s half-time pep talk seemed to have an impact, as United started the second half with much more energy.

Harry Maguire’s header rebounded off the post, and Hall then blocked De Ligt’s shot that was heading towards goal.

Marcus Rashford was back in the United squad after missing five games, but he stayed on the bench for the entire match. Instead, Amorim opted to bring Alejandro Garnacho off the sidelines to try and make an impact.

However, the Argentine international was brought on just as Newcastle had weathered the storm and started to regain control.

For the first time since 1979, United suffered their third consecutive home league defeat, adding to a series of disappointing statistics that have defined the team’s decade-long decline.

Amorim worries that the string of losses seems likely to persist into 2025.

United faces a challenging trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, followed by a journey to Arsenal for the FA Cup third round.

At the same time, Chelsea suffered their second consecutive league defeat with a 2-0 loss to Ipswich, who are fighting to avoid relegation.

The Blues suffered a defeat after Liam Delap scored from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Omari Hutchison then secured the victory with his goal in the 52nd minute, sending fans at Portman Road into raptures.