Manchester United player ratings: 6/10 star the only positive after three 'humiliating' 2/10s vs Newcastle

Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez both struggled as Manchester United were comfortably beaten Newcastle in the Premier League at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim made four changes to the side that had lost against Wolves on Boxing Day, with Marcus Rashford recalled to the bench after missing the last four matches.

United looked certain to struggle in the absence of suspended midfield duo Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte and it only took a few minutes for their experienced midfield to be torn apart. Newcastle broke through the middle with ease, nobody was marking Lewis Hall on the left and Alexander Isak had acres of space as he headed the visitors into an early lead.

It didn't take long for things to go from bad to worse either when Anthony Gordon raced down the left wing and put another simple cross into the box that was converted by a combination of both Joelinton and Lisandro Martinez. There could easily have been more misery for United as Newcastle wasted an abundance of chances to add to their already convincing lead before Isak had a stunning strike ruled out for offside.

After just half an hour, Amorim took to his bench to replace Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo and it gave United an immediate lift in midfield. Rasmus Hojlund was sent through by Martinez but chipped an effort just wide of the Newcastle goal and United wasted another glorious chance to score just before the half-time break when Casemiro sent a lazy effort wide of goal from inside the box.

Newcastle should have put the game to bed by the start of the second half, but a combination of their defensive complacency and the lively Mainoo gave United an unexpected foothold back in the match. United almost equalised when Harry Maguire headed the ball against the post and Matthijs de Ligt saw his rebound blocked. Leny Yoro also went close to a goal when he headed just wide from a corner kick.

In the end, there could be no complaints about the scoreline and here is how we rated the United players in the defeat:

Andre Onana - 5

There was nothing he could have done about either of the Newcastle goals. A clear improvement on his recent display against Wolves.

Matthijs de Ligt - 4

His lack of mobility was an issue against the electric Isak in attack. He was much better in possession of the ball and could have scored.

Harry Maguire - 5

The real captain in the United defence and he ended with the armband. He was vocal and demanding but there was little he could do to organise this defence. Almost scored with a good header.

Lisandro Martinez - 2

Inexcusable marking for the two first-half goals. A good pass to release Hojlund but much more was needed from the stand-in captain.

Noussair Mazraoui - 3

He was terrorised by Hall and Gordon on the left throughout. He is not suited to the wing-back role and didn't offer enough in attack.

Diogo Dalot - 4

It's the same old story for him at wing-back. He did not offer enough in defence and lost possession far too easily.

Casemiro - 2

Another night to forget as United's midfield was overrun with ease. It looked like a mismatch before a ball was kicked and proved to be an almighty one.

Christian Eriksen - 4

He was good with what little possession he had but his lack of mobility was also an issue against such a good opposition midfield.

Amad Diallo - 3

You can't fault his effort. He tried his best in the tough circumstances but cut a frustrated figure and rarely threatened the backline.

Joshua Zirkzee - 2

It was a humiliating night, but anyone could have been hooked after half an hour. He's out of his depth and you have to question those who signed him.

Rasmus Hojlund - 4

He went close with a rare opportunity that fell his way. Not much more he could have done with such little service.

Kobbie Mainoo - 6

The one glimmer of hope. He made a huge difference from the bench and should have had an assist when he played the ball to Casemiro in the box.

Leny Yoro - 5

He was eager to impress in the new left-centre-back role but was too eager with his pressing. Went close to a goal with a header.

Alejandro Garnacho - 4

There wasn't much for him to do with the ball though he did press well and try to win the ball back for his side. You can't fault his workrate.

Antony - 5

Another cameo with purpose. He linked up well with his teammates but didn’t have any chance to threaten the goal.