Alexander Isak is revelling in Newcastle United's recent run of form as he scored again in the Magpies' 2-0 win over Manchester United on Monday. 

Isak opened the scoring in the fourth minute at Old Trafford before Joelinton headed in a second, condemning Ruben Amorim's hosts to a third consecutive league defeat. 

Newcastle, meanwhile, have now won four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since between March and April 2023, moving up to fifth in the table. 

Furthermore, since the start of November, only Liverpool (23) and Nottingham Forest (21) have won more Premier League points than Eddie Howe's side (20).

But their recent upturn in results has been inspired by Isak, who took his tally to 12 for the season with his early header from Lewis Hall's teasing delivery. 

The Swede has scored more Premier League goals in December than any other player (eight), while he’s the second Newcastle player to score eight in one calendar month, after Callum Wilson in April 2023.

“I think we got off to a good start with intensity. We pressed them high and the regains and counters were really good," Isak told Premier League Productions.

"We got two goals and we had a comfortable start. The performance was really good, defensively and offensively.”

"It took a bit of a deflection and my job is to be in the box when the ball is there, and I got another goal. All I know is I feel good and confident.

"I’m enjoying playing how we are playing now."

Isak's strike was his 50th goal involvement in the Premier League (43 goals, seven assists) in 69 games, the third-fastest Newcastle player to hit that milestone after Andrew Cole in 1994 (43 games) and Les Ferdinand in 1997 (58).

Newcastle's victory also saw them earn a third away league win in their last 57 visits to Old Trafford (D17 L37), following triumphs in 1971-72 and 2013-14.

The Magpies scored 21 goals in December in all competitions, only the sixth time they’ve scored more than 20 goals in a calendar month, with two of them coming under Howe (also 22 in April 2023).

But speaking after the win, Howe played down the magnitude of his side's latest victory, with his eyes firmly fixed on continuing their year-end form into 2025. 

"I don't know about the win being a statement, but for us, we knew that we have to try to keep building on the momentum that we had built in recent weeks," Howe said.

"We have had a really good look about us, a strong, confident team, and I am happy we were able to continue that at a ground that hasn't been kind to Newcastle over the years.

"It is a big win psychologically. We are moving in the right direction defensively.

"It has not always been easy, particularly chopping and changing earlier on in the season, but we look to have a solid, settled back line and that has made a difference for us."