Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have suffered a third straight Premier League defeat as in-form Newcastle United bolstered their European hopes with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Alexander Isak's early header was followed by Joelinton's goal in the 19th minute, and the only surprise was that a dismal first-half performance from United on Monday night was not punished further as they lost a third consecutive home league game for the first time since 1979.

The hosts were better after the break, but a fourth straight defeat in all competitions - and fifth league defeat in December - will not fill them with much confidence before Sunday's trip to face leaders Liverpool at Anfield. They remain 14th and closer to the drop zone than their fiercest rivals.

Asked if it was embarrassing to be talking about relegation, Amorim, who has been in charge for 11 games in all competitions, said: "Yes - it's also my fault in this moment, because I think the team is not improved, I think (it) is a little bit lost in this moment.

"It's a little bit embarrassing to be a Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games. But we have to cope with that.

"I don't like to arrive here and make excuses. I think people are tired of excuses in this club. And I think sometimes I talk about relegation because of that - I think our club needs a shock and we have to understand that.

Newcastle's fourth straight league win gave manager Eddie Howe his first league success at Old Trafford in eight attempts and lifted the Magpies (32 points) to fifth.

At Portman Road, Liam Delap's barnstorming display helped Ipswich Town register a first EPL home win in 22 years with a memorable 2-0 victory over Chelsea to further damage their faint title prospects.

It was Town's leading scorer who won an early contentious spot kick, which he fired past back-up Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in the 12th minute.

Omari Hutchinson made the most of an Axel Disasi error straight after halftime to ensure the Tractor Boys won at home in the top-flight at the 10th time of asking this season and make it three games without a win for Chelsea.

"This means and shows we are in the right direction, as I said many times, but also shows we are far from competing and consistency and to be there with the best teams in England," Blues manager Enzo Maresca said.

"So, again, I think we are to be satisfied with where we are, but at the same time we have to know that we need to do many things better."

Chelsea remain fourth on 35 points, while Ipswich (15) are one point from safety in 18th.

Aston Villa ended a successful 2024 with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Villa started the year by reaching a Europa Conference League semi-final and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Ollie Watkins looked to be their hero as he celebrated his birthday in style with a goal, his eighth of the season, and an assist to put his side 2-1 up after Simon Adingra's early opener for the Seagulls.

But Unai Emery's men could not see it out and succumbed to an 81st-minute leveller by Tariq Lamptey.

The draw leaves both sides on the periphery of the European places, with Brighton's winless run continuing to seven games.