Harvey Barnes delivered a masterclass, scoring twice as Newcastle United dismantled Manchester United 4-1 at St. James’ Park on April 13, 2025, exposing the Red Devils’ frailties and deepening Rúben Amorim’s woes.
With Eddie Howe absent due to illness, assistant Jason Tindall oversaw a rampant Magpies side that struck first through Sandro Tonali’s 24th-minute volley, assisted by Anthony Gordon. Manchester United, with Altay Bayindir replacing the rested André Onana in goal, hit back in the 37th minute via Alejandro Garnacho’s clinical finish after Manuel Ugarte’s interception.
But Barnes restored Newcastle’s lead in the 49th minute, slotting past Bayindir after a Tino Livramento surge, then added his second in the 64th minute, heading in Jacob Murphy’s cross. Bruno Guimarães capped the rout in the 82nd minute, pouncing on Bayindir’s errant pass.
Newcastle’s 56 points from 18 games lifted them to fourth, overtaking Manchester City and bolstering their Champions League hopes, with Barnes’ seven goals this season trailing only Alexander Isak’s 12. Their 24 shots and 60% possession overwhelmed United, who slumped to 14th with 22 points, their 14th loss matching a 1989-90 low.
Bayindir, making his Premier League debut, faced criticism for the fourth goal, while Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup, yielding 29 goals in 2024-25, crumbled, with Harry Maguire’s 70% duel success a rare positive. Tindall hailed Newcastle’s “relentless energy,” while Amorim, winless in four, admitted, “We’re nowhere near good enough,” facing Lyon’s Europa League second leg next. Newcastle eye Crystal Palace, but United’s trip to Bournemouth looms as a must-win to salvage Amorim’s tenure.