Just one Man Utd player can hold his head high after 2-0 Newcastle defeat, he changed the game

Add as preferred source on Google

Ruben Amorim looked to be headed for an embarrassing scoreline against Newcastle on Monday night.

Manchester United were 2-0 down inside 19 minutes, however, it very well could have been far worse.

Ruben Amorim didn’t wait to go further behind, as he sacrificed Joshua Zirkzee in the 32nd minute in order to introduce another midfielder.

From this moment on, United had far more of a foothold in the game, with 53 per cent possession.

United losing 2-0 was a third successive home league defeat for United – something which hadn’t been done in 46 years – while also matching Sir Matt Busby’s record of five losses in a month.

However, there was one real positive for Amorim.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Kobbie Mainoo proves Ruben Amorim wrong with performance vs Newcastle

When Zirkzee was withdrawn, the entire dynamic of the game changed with Kobbie Mainoo being the catalyst for United.

Amorim’s decision not to start Mainoo was not a very popular one and he showed exactly why with the performance he put in off the bench.

Ever since the arrival of Amorim, Mainoo has struggled for his place in the starting line-up, while also not having the same effect when he has played.

But he proved Amorim wrong to not start him on Monday – while also laying down a statement that he needs to be starting against Liverpool on Sunday.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Mainoo back in form for Manchester United

This season has been off to a slow start for Mainoo – like much of the United squad. This was to be expected considering the amount of football he played, and his relatively short break after the Euros.

However, Mainoo will now be hoping that this performance can be a watershed moment in his season as he was United’s big winner in the game.

• 57 minutes
• 47/49 passes (96 per cent)
• 1 chance created
• 60 touches
• 3/5 tackles won
• 7 defensive actions
• 8 recoveries
• 6/12 duels won

Mainoo’s impact changed the game for United and he likely saved Amorim from a heavy defeat which might have been more difficult to explain.

On another bad night for United, Mainoo is the one who can hold his head high in defeat.

The 19-year-old has surely played his way into starting against Liverpool.