5 Things: Newcastle United vs Manchester United Analysis
Manchester united travelled to St. James’s Park looking for a reaction from their embarrassing 6-1 defeat to Spurs before the international break. Newcastle had a contrast in fortunes, and they had started the season well under former United defender, Steve Bruce. Solskjaer made lots of changes from the side that had been humbled by Tottenham but decided to keep out-of-form captain, Maguire, in the side. United got off to a woeful start as Luke Shaw deflected a cross into his own net after just 2 minutes. However United showed resolve and after Fernandes had a wonderful equaliser ruled out for offside, they did equalise, as Maguire rewarded Solskjaer’s faith in him by heading home. United were fantastic in possession and looked a threat every time they moved forward.
In the second half, Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to put United ahead from the spot, after Rashford had won a penalty. It looked as though the game was set to finish level before a late flurry of United goals. With Fernandes redeeming himself, before Wan-Bisaaka and Rashford put some gloss on the score line. A good victory from United and a step on the right track after a poor start to the season.
1. Maguire decision pays off?
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Maguire has been one of the most talked about players this season, unfortunately, not for good reasons. Maguire’s nightmare started in Mykonos, Greece, where the United skipper was arrested and found guilty for aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery. Maguire was supported by Solskjaer and United, however, the Englishman has been quite dreadful this season and has failed to rectify his actions off the pitch on it. After being at fault for some poor defending against Spurs, Maguire’s week got even worse when he was sent off for England against Denmark. However, despite calls to rest Maguire to get the £80 million pound defender out of headlines, Solskjaer stuck with his man and Maguire delivered the goods. Maguire produced his most assured and confident performance of the season, limiting Newcastle to few chances. Maguire, almost poetically, was the man that got United back into the game with a well-placed header past Darlow. Whilst the performance was against a Newcastle side, that despite playing well, didn’t offer too much of a threat to United’s backline, it will do Harry Maguire’s confidence the world of good.
2. Mata shows his class!
Juan Mata has been offered limited game time under Solskjaer in the Premier League; however, he might be getting a lot more after showing his class and being a crucial part of United’s win. The 32-year-old had not made a single start in the competition since February. But the Spaniard was excellent against Newcastle and was arguably man of the match. His incredible passing and spatial awareness in the final third was made to look effortless by the former Chelsea man.
Embed from Getty ImagesMata and Fernandes linked up brilliantly with Rashford up top and showed a fluidity that United have lacked going forward so far this season. Juan Mata is certainly not the fastest nor the youngest playmaker in the league, but his passing ability makes up for that and when he plays, he offers United a different option. Mata will now be knocking on Solskjaer’s door for a more regular spot in the United side after a clear display of his quality against the Magpies, as if we had forgotten what a classy player he is.
3. Rashford Brilliance again!
Embed from Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford cannot stop impressing off the pitch and on it. Marcus Rashford MBE was fantastic against Brighton, scoring one and assisting two. The Englishman is on fire right now and is adding high quality end product more and more for United. He had the Newcastle defence on toast, with his pace, skill and quality too much for the Magpies. Rashford’s work off the pitch has been recognised worldwide, however, his improvement on the pitch this season has almost gone under the radar, as he has arguably been one of the best players so far. Solskjaer has been under pressure but as long as he continues to get the best out of Rashford, his job will be secure. A brilliant performance from Rashford again.
4. Good reaction!
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle did play quite well against United, but the Red Devils dominated possession and looked very assured. United went into the game under a dark cloud that had been building for weeks. United’s poor transfer window, embarrassing defeat to Spurs, Maguire’s poor form and a media story about Fernandes falling out with Solskjaer had soured the mood quite considerably at Old Trafford. Manchester United needed a reaction and they got one. Maguire and Fernandes both scored whilst De Gea and his defence played with more confidence than in their previous matches this season. It was vital that United did react for their sakes and for Solskjaer’s sake also, as the Norwegian was under increasing pressure. The performance was not the best, but the result was so important to lift the mood. However, the win will cover United’s underlying problems for just a short time and they really need to build on this result to silence their critics.
5. What next?
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United are next in action on Tuesday, when they travel to French champions, PSG, in their opening Champions League match. Their next league match is on Saturday when they welcome Lampard’s Chelsea looking to back up this result with another good performance.
