Manchester United took on Newcastle United in the Premier League – here is how the Red Devils side performed on the afternoon.
United against Newcastle, particularly at St James’ Park, hasn’t been the kindest fixture in recent years. The Geordies always seem to be well up for it – and that was exactly how the game started on Sunday.
Jason Tindall’s side, because of this, went 1-0 up – until Alejandro Garnacho replied to give the Red Devils some hope heading into the break.
But the second half was a demolition. Harvey Barnes tore the Red Devils apart, and the game finished with Newcastle celebrating a double over United this season.
Here is how United in Focus rated the Red Devils players’ performances.
How Manchester United players performed against Newcastle
Altay Bayindir – 3
The talk of the town before kick-off was the news that Andre Onana was dropped, with Altay Bayindir coming in to replace him for his full Premier League debut.
Bayindir made a great double save in the first half, but aside from that, his kicking was poor and he made a massive error in the fourth. United’s goalkeeper issue continues.
Noussair Mazraoui – 2
Not a good game for Noussair Mazraoui. He looked absolutely knackered against Newcastle. Harvey Barnes absolutely had him on toast. Possibly his worst game ever in a United shirt.
Victor Lindelof – 3
You can tell why he doesn’t play much football whatsoever anymore, Victor Lindelof came into the starting XI and looked like a man who was a little out of his depth.
The Swede was tasked with dealing with a, usually, formidable Newcastle attack – and he was caught sleeping quite a few times. At fault for the first with an extremely poor pass out, let Harvey Barnes drift through for the third.
Leny Yoro – 4
The best defender of a bad bunch against the Geordies. Always going to be difficult for Leny Yoro to shine in a game like this.
He did, however, win some plaudits with his hilarious yellow card incident.
Diogo Dalot – 3
Despite the fact he did extremely well for Alejandro Garnacho’s goal, he was somewhat at fault for Newcastle’s second, and third.
Dalot is becoming an ever-present worry defensively – and the Newcastle game showed that again once more.
Christian Eriksen – 4
A classic modern Christian Eriksen performance. You know he’s got all the ideas in his head – but the execution isn’t quite there.
Newcastle’s midfield gave United the runaround – and Eriksen was a catalyst as to why this was the case. Can’t quite believe he played 90 minutes.
Manuel Ugarte – 6.5
One of the better players, Manuel Ugarte battled well in the midfield. Let down by others.
Harry Amass – 6.5
It was somewhat of a baptism of fire for Harry Amass to be thrust into the starting XI, but he didn’t look out of place. Some extremely neat touches. Amorim should play him more leading up to the end of the season.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Not his usual self. Couldn’t get into the game. When Bruno isn’t playing well – neither are United.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Probably United’s liveliest attacker until he pulled up in the 52nd minute. Really turned a leaf, but still needs to work on his end product.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Not too sure why Ruben Amorim brought the Argentine off. Took his goal expertly well, and still had more to give in that second half.
Substitutes
Patrick Dorgu – 4
Didn’t add anything to the fixture after coming on – but then again, who did?
Mason Mount – 5
Got on the ball a little, and was genuinely trying. But given the state of the game – couldn’t do much after his introduction on the pitch.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
Came on and genuinely did nothing. Becoming a regular occurrence.
Luke Shaw – 5
Nice to see him back, at least.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
No time to make an impact. Nice to see him back in the Premier League though.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
