Thierry Henry has criticized Manchester United’s defensive performance in their 4-1 loss to Newcastle, pointing out a specific incident involving Leny Yoro that he claimed was something he had “never seen before” in football.
The match saw United suffer a heavy defeat at St James’ Park, with their performance in the second half falling drastically short of expectations. After a competitive first half, the Red Devils were overwhelmed by Newcastle’s attacking surge. Harvey Barnes played a pivotal role in the turnaround, scoring two goals in just 15 minutes to extend the Magpies’ lead. This was followed by an additional strike from Bruno Guimaraes, which further widened the gap, leaving United with little chance of recovery.
The match began with Sandro Tonali giving Newcastle an early lead, and despite United’s efforts to bounce back, they could only level the score once through Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho’s composed finish provided a glimmer of hope for Manchester United, bringing them back into the game. However, it quickly became clear that the visitors were unable to maintain their momentum, and Newcastle’s dominance was too much for them to overcome.
Henry, a former Arsenal and France international, was particularly vocal about United’s defensive frailties during the match. He took issue with the manner in which the team conceded goals, expressing disbelief at certain moments. Specifically, he drew attention to an incident involving Leny Yoro, which he described as unprecedented in his extensive football experience. This particular moment seemed to encapsulate the overall defensive disarray that plagued United throughout the match.
While United’s attack showed brief signs of life, with Garnacho’s equalizer offering a temporary spark, the defensive lapses left them vulnerable. Newcastle capitalized on this weakness with ease, and as the game progressed, it became evident that Manchester United had no answers to the relentless pressure from their hosts. The 4-1 scoreline highlighted the disparity between the two teams, with Newcastle looking far more organized and clinical in both attack and defense.
In the aftermath of the game, United’s defensive shortcomings were widely discussed, and Henry’s comments added further fuel to the growing concerns about the team’s defensive structure. The loss further deepened the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, as the Red Devils continue to struggle with consistency and discipline at the back. Despite the promising attacking players at their disposal, United’s inability to defend properly has become a major issue that needs urgent attention if they are to mount any serious challenges in the league.
