Man Utd dismantled by Newcastle as Harvey Barnes is like a 'knife through butter'

Manchester United were taken apart by a Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle on Sunday evening as Ruben Amorim's side continue to struggle

Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter

18:30, 13 Apr 2025Updated 18:45, 13 Apr 2025

(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)

Manchester United were at sixes and sevens on Sunday evening as Harvey Barnes glided past their defence like a "knife through butter".

United have struggled in recent months, with Amorim's fallen giants slipping and sliding down the Premier League table. And they were no match for Newcastle on Sunday evening.

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It was the Barnes show - he ran rings around the United defence. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Pat Nevin said: "This is all about the goalscorer. What a goal.

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"The power, the physique and control of the ball, when Harvey Barnes is one-on-one with two defenders there he doesn't think about anything except just going straight for the heart of the defence.

"He's a knife through butter, he just pings it into the top corner. What a phenomenal goal, he is in great form right now and that is deserved."

Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United scores his team's fourth goal past Altay Bayindir of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC at St James' Park on April 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Bruno Guimaraes netted Newcastle's fourth(Image: Getty Images)

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United had gone toe-to-toe with Newcastle in the first-half - but there was a gulf in class between them in the second period.

Barnes' first was just the start. He was on another planet for his second.

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He disposed Noussair Mazraoui in the middle of the park, stuck his head down, and ran. The United defence parted, they couldn't close to the flash of black and white that burst through the centre.

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund (left) and Bruno Fernandes react after their side conceded a fourth goal during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday April 13, 2025.

Man Utd were outclassed on Sunday(Image: PA)

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Altay Bayindir rushed off his line, only for Barnes to smash it past him and into the back of the net. And it was a howler from the young shot-stopper that allowed Newcastle to net their fourth through Bruno Guimaraes.

"Harvey Barnes didn’t even think about passing that ball. Pure hero ball. The beautiful game," one fan posted.

"Amazing what a run of games can do you for you. Harvey Barnes showing that," a second said. And another added: "Everyone is on fire! What a match this is! I can't even choose a favourite but Harvey Barnes won my heart today. Love when he does his goal celebrations! Made my day!"

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Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC at St James' Park on April 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Harvey Barnes netted twice(Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle fans were in full voice, even pulling out the "ole's" as the full-time whistle was blown.

For United, however, it's more bad news. The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League, three points above 16th placed West Ham.