Manchester United vs Newcastle United Summary
Manchester United put three past Newcastle United in a much improved second half display. A stunning first half goal from Marcus Rashford was cancelled out by a disappointing Saint-Maximin equaliser from a United perspective. However, Ole rallied his troops as goals from Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes sealed the win.
The performance was not one of United’s best but the three points against Newcastle were crucial and got Manchester United back to winning ways in the league. The Reds move back to second on goal difference and have a chance to rest players in the Europa League before a huge trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Player Ratings
David de Gea 8.5/10
Made some crucial saves in the first half and was far more commanding of his box. Much better.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8/10
Never gave Saint-Maximin a sniff in the wide areas. Dealt well with the Newcastle left and pushed forwards in attack. Good linkup with James.
Victor Lindelof 7/10
I was concerned about his inclusion and he did struggle both with the strength of Joelinton and the pace of Almiron. Did alright in the first half and much better in the second. I think he will start against Sociedad.
Harry Maguire 7.5/10
Sharp passing that led to the opener. Think he should have put the ball out for a corner than try to head backwards out of the box for the equaliser. Dominant in the second half. Could have scored twice.
Luke Shaw 8.5/10
Another strong performance. Cannot remember a single time Fraser did anything. Corners were better and caused problems.
Nemanja Matic 9/10
Superb performance. Played as the six and the eight against Newcastle. Clearly saw Fred wasn’t playing the ball incisively enough and decided to do it himself. Involved in both second half goals. Still a big part of this team for this season.
Fred 4/10
Poor. Really, really poor. Couldn’t thread a pass, gave the ball away so many times and almost cost United a goal twice by miscommunicating with the backline. Failed to mark Saint-Maximin for the equaliser too. Not the game to play him in but with no other options he had to play.
Daniel James 8.5/10
Another great performance from Dan James! This was a surprise as although he played well against Sociedad, I thought he would have trouble dealing with the deep backline of Newcastle. However, his smart runs, direct play and sharp passing gave Newcastle a lot of problems and his work rate in defence was exceptional. Really smart finish past Darlow and a fifth goal for James this season – already equalling his PL goal tally and surpassing his total tally for the whole of last season. He takes his chances.
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
Even when marked by two players he came out of this game with a goal and an assist. Double figures for both now this season and will be hungry for more.
Marcus Rashford 8.5/10
Brilliant goal. Sent the Newcastle defence every way during the match in an electrifying performance. Back to his best.
Anthony Martial 4/10
On the other hand, Martial was dreadful. Barely made a run, failed to track back and really struggled to get into the game in the first half. Was brighter in the second half and played much better but too little too late as Greenwood came on and made a difference. This is make or break for Martial and he needs to find his form soon or he could be phased out. I hope he starts against Sociedad as he could really do with a goal or two. With plenty of games to go, his season could transform into a much better one but he has to kick on.
Substitutes:
Mason Greenwood 7/10
Direct, creative and energetic. Almost whipped an effort past Darlow but it was narrowly wide. Getting back to his best form.
Juan Mata 7/10
Nice cameo and some smart passing. Shaking off a bit of rust but I think he will start against Sociedad in what could be a heavily rotated team.
Shola Shoretire 7/10
Must be absolutely chuffed to get his debut but such a shame the fans weren’t there to applaud him on. Sharp passing and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10
I was concerned about the centre back pairing as per usual against target men but in hindsight there was no way Ole could overuse Bailly and not have him get injured. The attack was the right call as Martial has a good record against Newcastle and could have done with a goal, it’s a shame he didn’t turn up. Subs were made at the right time and helped seal off the win. I think something the coaching staff need to look at is our set-piece defending but I do assume that a new CB would also solve that too.
Karl Darlow 6/10
Made some good saves but beaten at his near post twice lowers his rating.
Emil Krafth 4/10
Made cynical fouls and was bullied by Rashford all game.
Jamaal Lascelles 6/10
Not sure what he had to do when Martial was on but a solid performance.
Ciaran Clark 5/10
Decent in the attacking areas but struggled to keep hold of Maguire at set-pieces. Had Maguire scored both his chances, Clark would have been culpable for both.
Jamal Lewis 5/10
Struggled with Dan James but offered good width in attack.
Isaac Hayden 4/10
Sloppy and couldn’t get a foothold in the game. Made some nasty challenges and lucky not to be sent off.
Jonjo Shelvey 6/10
Creative from set-pieces but should have had a bigger influence in attack with his passing range.
Joe Willock 5/10
Energetic but no final ball. Don’t doubt he is a good signing for Newcastle for the rest of the season as this game in Manchester didn’t demonstrate his impact so far.
Miguel Almiron 7/10
Made an effort but no one was around him when he made his runs.
Allan Saint-Maximin 7.5/10
Well taken goal but could have had a hattrick. Kept quiet in wide areas so ventured more down the middle in the second half but didn’t get the service.
Joelinton 6/10
Decent play but after the injury he failed to have a real impact.
Substitutes:
Ryan Fraser 4/10
Cannot remember a point where he touched the ball. Has not kicked on since that brilliant season for Bournemouth.
Dwight Gale 5/10
Quiet and really couldn’t get into the game.
Jacob Murphy 5/10
Likewise for Murphy.
Steve Bruce 6/10
I think the set-piece tactic was a good one but other than that, their plan was to give it to Almiron and Saint-Maximin and let’s see what they can do. He is clearly missing Callum Wilson and doesn’t trust Joelinton or Andy Carroll to lead the line. They are in trouble and could still go down and the next few games will show where they are as a team.
