Manchester United appeared to fold in the second half against Newcastle after a promising opening 45 minutes.
After bouncing back from conceding first, United equalised through Alejandro Garnacho. However, there was no recovering once Newcastle took the lead early in the second half, and the Red Devils went on to lose the game 4-1.
An injury to Joshua Zirkzee marred Manchester United’s defeat, and the substitution of Bruno Fernandes in the 82nd minute signalled the team waving the white flag.
Fernandes was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo, who stepped up his return from injury, while Victor Lindelof took the captain’s armband.
Manchester United protect Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United took Bruno Fernandes off with the team already consigned to defeat, and it was simply needless to keep him on.
“That was protection,” former academy prospect Danny Webber told MUTV’s post-game coverage.
Webber pointed out United could not afford another injury after losing Joshua Zirkzee, especially with Newcastle already on the way to the victory.
He still believes United have a shot to win the Europa League this season, and Fernandes will be crucial to the team’s chances.
“When you look at it, I assess from sat in the stands, and I thought he’s bringing him off because if we’d have lost Zirkzee and would then have lost Bruno for something innocuous… it could have happened late in the game. The manager is [in] damage limitation at that time.
“He’s got to make sure he’s got Bruno as the main man.”
Fernandes has 16 goals and 17 assists for Manchester United this season, with only Alejandro Garnacho (10) joining him on double figures for goals, thanks to his strike at St James’ Park.
Webber reaction to Manchester United loss
Manchester United’s loss at Newcastle means little in terms of the Premier League. Especially when the Europa League provides an unlikely shot at Champions League football for next season.
But the big concern Webber has is whether it is possible for United to simply turn form on and off in the Premier League and Europa League.
“If we’re being honest, that is our that’s our key to being in Champions League next season.
“It is where we are going to see some silverware if we really focus. And it’s tough to switch it on and switch it off for the Premier League or for the or for the Europa League.
“We want to make sure that we’re doing it day in day out, and we’re living and breathing good habits.”
United face Lyon at Old Trafford in the Europa League second leg this Thursday, after a 2-2 draw in France in the first leg.
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