Manchester United have beaten Newcastle 4-1 which included a brace from the returning Ronaldo, followed by a Bruno Fernandes’ rocket. Jesse Lingard then took matters into his own hands, scoring a goal himself to finally seal the deal.
Here are 5 things we learned from the game:
1) It’s ‘Viva Ronaldo’ at Old Trafford
Manchester United fans were all jolly as Cristiano Ronaldo marked his second debut in the Premier League. To add to this, he scored either side of a Newcastle equalizer from Javier Manquillo during the match.
Ronaldo’s first debut for the club was as an 18-year-old in 2003 and he made 292 appearances for the club in his first spell, scoring 118 goals. The second coming started with two more which were rapturously received by the ecstatic home support.
At the start of the match, Ronaldo took some time to settle in as he made some shots off-target. However, he took a little more than 45 minutes as he scored his first goal on his debut.
With Ronaldo’s current form and the team’s improving mentality, it’s finally time that Manchester United might challenge for silverware.
2) Not the best performance by Bruno Fernandes
Bruno was in a proper attacking role as he made runs into the box, made key passes and scored a rocket. He, however, was seen losing possession at times as he tried to pass the ball.
The link-up with Ronaldo appeared to be there from the first few minutes at Old Trafford. A Ronaldo flick into Fernandes’ path illustrated that they were on the same wavelength, with Fernandes looking for Ronaldo’s runs whenever he got on the ball.
This wasn’t Fernandes’ most influential display by any means and indeed the win will be viewed as all about Ronaldo, but Fernandes’ celebration and overall display suggested that he is motivated to ensure that this remains his team.
3) Loss of concentration at times in the defence
Newcastle’s approach went on to pay dividends when Miguel Almiron broke clear and Saint-Maximin set up Manquillo to score their equaliser on the counter-attack. Harry Maguire was reliable for large parts, however, his decision to dive on Miguel Almiron in at the halfway mark on the pitch was poor, exposing Varane and costing the team the equalising goal. Raphael Varane was immense. Won everything in the air in the first half was strong in duels and used the ball well. Aaron Wan Bissaka was not up to the mark as well, apart from one dangerous cross early in the second half. Defensively, too, the former Crystal Palace man found it hard against the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron. Even Luke Shaw did not have the best start but grew into the game with time.
4) Paul Pogba has been immense
Often hounded by the critics, the Manchester United No. 6 has been looking to shut mouths this season. The Frenchman started this season with a bang, giving a sparkling four-assist display in United’s opener setting the tone.
Despite starting the season out on the left-wing, Pogba has made a seamless move into central midfield and seems to be thriving there. His exceptional passing ability has been on display this season, and his fellow attackers have reaped the benefits.
Pogba often dictated the play for Manchester United while he constantly looked to carve out openings in the Newcastle backline. Got the assist for Fernandes’ goal before displaying some fine footwork before setting Lingard up for the fourth. That is 7 assists in 4 games.
5) Cavani has suffered a setback
(Manchester United’s number 21 has suffered a knock)
The Manchester United number 21 had made his first appearance against Wolves but was not included in the match. Solskjaer confirmed that Edinson Cavani had suffered a knock before the match. The Old Trafford crowd was looking forward to showing their appreciation for the player, not least for giving up his number seven shirt for Ronaldo. As it is, he has to wait longer for the first start of the campaign.
