In a shocking turn of events, Manchester United faced a devastating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle, leaving fans and pundits alike reeling. Former player Nicky Butt didn't hold back, accusing the team of lacking passion and effort during this crucial match.

The Red Devils arrived at St. James' Park hoping to revive their form, only to see their dreams crumble despite Alejandro Garnacho's equalizer. In a second-half meltdown, Newcastle's Harvey Barnes scored twice, complemented by a fourth goal from Bruno Guimaraes, as Manchester United's stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir struggled to assert himself.

This loss marks a historic moment, as it's the first time in nearly a century that Newcastle has achieved a league double over Manchester United. With this being United’s 14th Premier League defeat this season, a frustrated Butt voiced his concerns vehemently.

On Premier League Productions, Butt stated, "You can sit there and apologize all day, but when you step onto the pitch, you need to back it up with action. Honestly, I didn’t expect Manchester United to win here. Newcastle was simply the stronger team, showcasing better athleticism and individual quality."

His disappointment boiled over while analyzing the team's lackluster performance: "I can’t comprehend how United can step onto the pitch and let this happen. It's one thing to lose; it's another to not even put in a fight. There were no tackles, no aggressive plays—just a complete show of passivity."

Butt expressed deep concern over the physicality of the side, specifically mentioning: "You should at least put up a fight to show that you won’t just roll over. Instead, they let themselves be beaten too easily. Players like Christian Eriksen, once a top performer, have lost their edge and struggle to keep up now."

On Newcastle's power, he highlighted: "Their midfield was dominant. A Manchester United team without aggression, it's like watching a slow-motion spectacle. There was no energy, no pace—just an overall lukewarm performance."

Criticizing their tactics, Butt continued, "It was far too easy for Newcastle. Barnes should've been challenged, not allowed to roam free. The team spent most of the second half passing sideways within their own box—it was painfully boring to watch. As elite players, when will they realize this is asking for trouble?"

He concluded with a plea for a more aggressive playing style: "They need to change it up and make some bold plays up the pitch. It’s maddening that they keep trying to finesse the ball right next to their own box, which only leads to conceding goals. With 52,000 fans screaming, someone has to take charge; it's absurd to keep playing this way."

Looking ahead, Manchester United now prepares for a critical Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon, following a tense 2-2 draw in France. Will they find their fight again, or are they destined for more heartache?