Sat. Nov 16th, 2024
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MANCHESTER UNITED were outclassed by Newcastle with only David de Gea sparring their blushes from further embarrassment.

Second-half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson put a dent in United’s Champions League hopes.

Ma Utd fell to defeat against Newcastle10

Ma Utd fell to defeat against NewcastleCredit: EPA

It was a day to forget for Erik ten Hag’s men, while Newcastle sit pretty in third.

Here is how Martin Blackburn rated Ten Hag’s performers.

DAVID DE GEA – 7

Great double save to deny Isak and Willock. Bit of a mess with a goal-kick routine just before the Toon opener but then did brilliantly to tip Joelinton’s header onto the bar late on.

Could have been much worse but for the Spaniard.

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Toon secure huge win in race for top four & leapfrog Red Devils to go 3rd
David de Gea helped spare Man Utd's blushes10

David de Gea helped spare Man Utd’s blushesCredit: Reuters

DIOGO DALOT – 5

Came in for the unwell Wan Bissaka. Deflected shot forced a save from Pope and one nice cross just evaded Rashford’s boot.

Had a tough time trying to keep the lively Saint Maximin quiet in the first half.

Diogo Dalot came in for the unwell Aaron Wan Bissaka10

Diogo Dalot came in for the unwell Aaron Wan BissakaCredit: Getty

RAPHAEL VARANE – 6

Solid defensively as he and Martinez spent much of the game on the back foot. Did well to deal with Willock as he chose the wrong option and went for goal.

Got forward at the end but his header from Sancho cross was tame and straight at Pope.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6

Great block from Isak’s shot and suggestions he handballed it rightly waved away.

Had a tough time trying to keep the Swede quiet but stuck to his task – looked bitterly frustrated as he sat on the bench after being subbed late on and was caught taking it out on the chair.

Lisandro Martinez had a tough evening10

Lisandro Martinez had a tough eveningCredit: Reuters

LUKE SHAW – 5

Looked tired after his exertions with England and struggled against Willock for much of the afternoon.

Clever piece of defending to deny Burn a second goal and one useful cross as United searched for a leveller.

Scott McTominay struggled at St James’ Park10

Scott McTominay struggled at St James’ ParkCredit: AP

SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5

Rewarded for his Scotland heroics with a rare start in the league.

Running battle with Guimaraes in the first half but came out second best for much of the game and not really a surprise when he was replaced by Fred as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

Marcel Sabitzer reacts to missing a chance10

Marcel Sabitzer reacts to missing a chanceCredit: Getty

MARCEL SABITZER – 5

Tried to push United on in the second half and opened the home side up a couple of times. Also saw a low shot blocked.

The on-loan man from Bayern Munich has been a useful addition to the squad but is not the same standard as the suspended Casemiro.

Antony is brought off by Erik ten Hag10

Antony is brought off by Erik ten HagCredit: Getty

ANTONY – 6

Seemed to fancy his chances against Burn early on and the match up between the two was watchable.

Great back heel to send Dalot away down the right but planted a volley over when he should have hit the target. Ran out of puff and was hooked on the hour.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 5

Wanted a pen for a challenge by Schar but neither the ref or the VAR agreed he was too theatrical. Home fans chanted ‘there’s only one Bruno’ in support of Guimaraes and the Portuguese was second best this time.

Shrugged off too easily by Gordon.

Bruno Fernandes wanted a penalty for a challenge by Fabian Schar10

Bruno Fernandes wanted a penalty for a challenge by Fabian ScharCredit: EPA

MARCUS RASHFORD – 5

Completed his rapid recovery from toe injury which kept him out of England duty to start here – but may as well have had another day off.

Just failed to get on end of Dalot cross but found chances hard to come by.

Wout Weghorst had a day to forget10

Wout Weghorst had a day to forgetCredit: Getty

WOUT WEGHORST – 4

Hit the side netting early on after good work by Antony but that was one of only seven touches in the first half.

Things didn’t improve after the break so it was no surprise when he was hooked for Martial just after the hour.

SUBSTITUTES

SANCHO (for Antony 61) – 5

A couple of useful crosses but did not have the impact ETH would have hoped.

MARTIAL (for Weghorst 61 ) – 6

Clearance off the line from Schar kept United in it and one missed chance.

FRED (for McTominay 82) – 5

Could not stem the black and white tide as the Toon continued to dominate.

PELLISTRI (for Martinez 83) – 5

Not really enough time to affect the game from an attacking point of view

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LINDELOF (for Varane – 83) – 5

Beaten too easily by Wilson for the second goal.

Victor Lindelof, Facundo Pellistri and Bruno Fernandes look dejected in defeat

10

Victor Lindelof, Facundo Pellistri and Bruno Fernandes look dejected in defeatCredit: PA

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