Newcastle 4-1 Manchester United - Harvey Barnes fires second-half double as Eddie Howe's rampant side move up to fourth in the Premier League

Harvey Barnes emulated Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer as Eddie Howe's rampant side filleted an overwhelmed Manchester United 4-1 at St James' Park to move up to fourth in the Premier League.

Barnes became only the second Newcastle player to hit an EPL double against the visitors with two fine finishes in the second half helping the home side move back above Manchester City and Chelsea in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot next term.

Shearer first managed the feat back in 2000, but this Newcastle side looks every bit as vibrant as their great sides of yesteryear with Sandro Tonali sweeping them ahead with a superb volley on 24 minutes from Alexander Isak's lovely lobbed assist.

Alejandro Garnacho levelled against the run of play on 37 minutes when he beat Nick Pope from Diogo Dalot's assist with a fine finish before Ruben Amorim's struggling visiting side were swept away in the second half.

Barnes converted Jacob Murphy's cross for his first of the day on 49 minutes before racing at the heart of the visiting defence to slam home his second on 64 mins after Noussair Mazraoui slipped in losing possession.

With goalkeeper Andre Onana dropped after his errors in the 2-2 UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg draw in Lyon, his replacement Altay Bayindir hardly fared better in throwing the ball straight at Joelinton, whose cushioned header enabled captain Bruno Guimarães to add a fourth on 77 minutes.

It is the first time Newcastle, who were without manager Howe on the touchline due to illness, have completed two league wins over Man United since the 1930/31 campaign as they move a point ahead of City and two clear of Chelsea before they host Crystal Palace on Wednesday with the chance to move third in the table.

But for United, there is only continuing pain in the Premier League as they head for their lowest points total - they are 14th with 38 points from 32 matches - since the modern era of the competition began back in 1992.

The second leg of their tie with Lyon on Thursday night suddenly takes on added significance as they bid to salvage their season.

"When we went to the pitch, we said we will play for him," said Bruno Guimaraes speaking to the Premier League.

"He has been part of our success, he's been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground this week.

"Hopefully, it gave him happiness, and he's back for the next game.

"It's been a tough week for him."

Two-goal Harvey Barnes was also thinking of Howe, who was in hospital after taking ill earlier in the week.

"He's on the road to recovery, hopefully," said Barnes.

"He's so influential throughout the week and on matchday.

"We knew we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face."

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Newcastle are back in the top four with a 4-1 victory over the visitors. Resounding in the end with Harvey Barnes showing his finishing class. Tonali still running right to the very end. Which is symbolic of how this one turns on. Man United overrun in the end.

Long way from the Fergie era, and up in the Gods today at St James' Park, but at least they are trying to encourage their side in what has been another trying day, to say the least, on the road.

Shaw with a delightful cross into the heart of the box, but Hojlund heads over. Too little, too late for Ruben Amorim's side. Heading for five added minutes.

On course now for their lowest points total since the Premier League formed in 1992. 38 points from 32 matches and 14th spot in the table is not where the club sees itself.

The visitors have collapsed like a cheap tracksuit in the second half after fighting gamely in the first period. Worrying times. Joleinton is off and on comes Lewis Miley. Sean Longstaff is on with Bruno Guimarães off.

That was a famous Sunday in the rain when Kevin Keegan's side romped to a 5-1 victory back in 1996. One more goal will do the trick. And might not be beyond them in the closing stages.

Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier are given a standing ovation as Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon and Emil Krafth are given a late run-out.

Shaw is on for Mazraoui for Man United as Bruno Fernandes departs to be replaced by Mainoo. Amorim does not have his troubles to seek.

All a bit of a self-harming comedy for Man Utd after goalkeeper Andre Onana is dropped, but his replacement drops them right in it. Newcastle last scored four against the visitors in September 2001 in a 4-3 victory. A sore one for them here.

Bruno Guimaraes with the captain's finish as Altay Bayindir throws the ball straight at Joelinton, whose header is put away calmy by Bruno and it is 4-1. Visiting side in freefall out there. Game, set and match.

Suspect he would have been looking for a deflection to help the cause, but it flies straight into the arms of Pope in the home goal.

And it is a timely one too you would suggest as he is felled by Dorgu with Newcastle looking to game manage home the rest of this Premier League battle.

This time he manages to flick the ball over Mazraoui before his cross is turned behind by Mazraoui for a Newcastle corner. Home side sense another goal in this match.

The only other Newcastle player to hit a double in the Premier League era against Man United was Alan Shearer back in 2000.

Little wonder with what they are watching here today. A long, long way back for the visitors now. They have only won four times away from home in the top flight this season. Difficult to see one goal never mind two arriving any time soon.

Barnes punishes more awful United defending after Mazraoui slips and loses the ball to race straight at the heart of the visiting defence before thumping the ball high into the net. 3-1 to the home side. Terrific finish.

Heads over the bar from the Murphy cross. Well over in the end. Another goal for Newcastle might well kill off this contest.