The Magpies midfielder started for La Albirroja in their World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Hernando Siles, but saw his team fall behind after Rodrigo Ramallo’s opener on 21 minutes.

Things got worse for Paraguay eight minutes after the break when Moises Villarroel Angulo made it 2-0, before Almirón was replaced by Braian Samudio.

And the hosts’ two late goals, courtesy of Victor Abrego and Roberto Fernandez, completed the rout, leaving the United man and his teammates stunned.

The result cost Paraguay boss Eduardo Berizzo his job, as he was sacked following the defeat.

Almirón will now return to Tyneside ahead of the resumption of the Premier League season.