Newcastle United delivered a masterclass performance at St. James' Park on Sunday, April 13, 2025, dismantling Manchester United 4-1 in a display that cemented their aspirations for Champions League qualification. This commanding victory propelled the Magpies into fourth place in the Premier League, a point above Manchester City and just two points behind Chelsea and Aston Villa, who share 54 points each. From the outset, Newcastle asserted their dominance. In the 24th minute, Alexander Isak orchestrated a sublime assist, lofting a precise ball over Manchester United's defense, allowing Sandro Tonali to volley home and give Newcastle a deserved early lead. The Magpies' early pressure and tactical superiority were evident.
Manchester United, however, responded with a moment of brilliance. In the 37th minute, Alejandro Garnacho leveled the score with a well-executed finish, capitalizing on a swift counterattack. This goal briefly silenced the St. James' Park faithful, but Newcastle's resolve remained unshaken. The second half belonged entirely to Newcastle, and particularly to Harvey Barnes. In the 49th minute, Barnes restored Newcastle's lead, capitalizing on a surging run from Tino Livramento. Barnes then extended Newcastle's advantage in the 64th minute with a sensational solo effort, weaving through Manchester United's defense before slotting the ball past the debutant goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir.
A moment of misfortune for Manchester United's debutant goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, in the 77th minute, allowed Joelinton to set up Bruno Guimarães, who calmly slotted home Newcastle's fourth goal. Bayindir's debut was marred by this crucial error, adding to Manchester United's woes. Despite manager Eddie Howe's absence due to illness, assistant Jason Tindall expertly guided Newcastle to their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions. The Magpies dominated key statistics, including a staggering 37 touches in the opposition box compared to Manchester United's 12, and 12 possession wins in the final third compared to Manchester United's 2.
Player ratings saw Newcastle's Pope receive a 7/10, Livramento an 8/10 for his assist, Schar and Botman both 7.5/10, Burn a 7/10, Tonali an 8/10 for his goal, Guimarães an 8.5/10 for his goal, Longstaff a 7.5/10, Barnes a 9/10 for his two goals, Isak an 8/10 for his assist, and Gordon a 7.5/10. For Manchester United, Bayindir received a 5/10, Dalot a 6/10, Varane and Martinez both 6/10, Shaw a 6/10, Casemiro a 5.5/10, Mainoo a 6/10, Antony a 5.5/10, Fernandes a 6/10, Garnacho a 7/10 for his goal, and Hojlund a 5.5/10. Match statistics revealed Newcastle United's dominance in possession with 60% compared to Manchester United's 40%. Newcastle also had 15 shots on goal to Manchester United's 6, and 9 corners to Manchester United's 3. Manchester United's struggles continued, marking their 14th league defeat of the season—their joint-most in a single campaign since 1989-90. This loss dropped them to 14th place in the standings, intensifying pressure ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture.
