Player Ratings: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester United
Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester United | Premier League
Manchester United drop their first points under Ralf Rangnick at the hands of 19th place Newcastle but the performance provides a worrying resemblance to previous management.
The Red’s haven’t taken to the pitch for over a fortnight and it showed. United conceded very early on, following a comedy of errors all over the pitch and St Maximin capitalised. In the second half, Rangnick introduced Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani and the performance improved marginally with Cavani finding the net with an equaliser, but it wasn’t enough. The most damning part is that Newcastle will be kicking themselves after failing to find the net on a number of occasions.
Goalkeeper and Defence
David De Gea: 7
De Gea pulled off a number of fantastic, match-saving stops for Manchester United once again you’d dread to think where United would be without the Spaniard.
Embed from Getty ImagesDiogo Dalot: 7
Dalot massively contributed during the lead-up to Edison Cavani’s goal. He also showed some promising attacking play positioning himself high and wide – constantly an outlet.
Harry Maguire: 4
It was a shaky, unconfident performance from the Manchester United skipper. He didn’t provide any sense of assertiveness within the defence.
Raphael Varane: 4
Varane lost the ball during the lead-up to Newcastle’s early goal. Additionally, he gave the ball away on numerous occasions.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlex Telles: 5
Telles was positive down the left-hand side today getting forward and delivering the ball into the box. However, when involved in the build-up he did leave a little to be desired. But no issues in the final third.
Midfield
Fred: 5
Fred didn’t look as poised as he has in recent games. He was sloppy with his passing and was removed at half-time.
Scott Mctominay: 7
Mctominay showed great tenacity and ambition in midfield today. His effective passing, tackling, and forward sprints were noticeable.
Embed from Getty ImagesBruno Fernandes: 5
Another uncharacteristically underwhelming performance from the Portuguese Magnifico. He had no control over the midfield and his attacking influence was extremely restricted. His decisions to continuously opt for long hopeful balls forward was particularly frustrating.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo: 4
Ronaldo had zero influence over the game. His link play was disjointed and inaccurate and he resembled a frustrated figure for the duration of the 90 minutes.
Embed from Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford: 6
Rashford had an awful display during the first half, everything he attempted on the ball failed. In the second half, his performance improved but the forward’s form is extremely concerning at the moment.
Mason Greenwood: 5
Mason couldn’t get into the game, partly testament to Newcastle’s stellar defensive work. Consequently, he was also substituted at half-time.
Substitutes
Jadon Sancho: 7
Sancho also looked bright upon coming on the pitch. He showcased his brilliant skills, attacking the Newcastle back-line and frequently floating the ball into the opposition box. Although he was sloppy in transition there’s no doubt his impact would have been greater had he started.
Edison Cavani: 8
Cavani scored United’s only goal and looked lively upon coming on, his performance has given Rangnick a real selection headache for forthcoming games.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Matic wasn’t on the pitch long enough to make any significant contribution.
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