Erik ten Hag’s side came into the game desperate to atone for their hugely damaging Champions League draw with Galatasaray in midweek, in which Andre Onana made two dismal errors, but they simply couldn’t find a way to hurt Newcastle.
The Magpies raced out of the traps and had a dominant start, creating a multitude of chances. Kieran Trippier came closest, as he sent a brilliant 25-yard free-kick against the crossbar, with Andre Onana rooted to the spot.
It would get better for Newcastle, however, as just 10 minutes after the restart, Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game, as he ghosted in at the back post to finish Trippier’s cross.
United could not get out of their own half at times, and Marcus Rashford was particularly guilty, as he offered next to nothing in attack and barely tracked back to help the defence before being hooked on the hour.
Ten Hag’s side did have a late rally after Nick Pope injured his shoulder and was substituted, but it came to nothing, with an Antony goal ruled out after the ball bounced in off Harry Maguire, who was clearly offside.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Made a superb early save from Almiron to settle any potential nerves. Rooted when Trippier hit the bar with a superb free-kick. Beaten all ends up by Gordon’s goal but kept the score down in a decent performance.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (4/10):
Struggled with the pace of Gordon and lost the winger at the back post before the opening goal. Did make a great block later on but failing to pick up Gordon for the goal ultimately cost United. Subbed for Reguilon with 10 minutes to go.
Harry Maguire (5/10):
Constantly attempting to organise the backline. Put his body on the line where he could. Booked for a frustrated lunge and then managed to get in the way of Antony’s goalbound shot that would’ve been the equaliser.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Stepped into midfield when he could and made some vital blocks. United’s best defender.
Diogo Dalot (4/10):
Did nothing to stop Newcastle’s rampant attacks and was pinned back throughout the game by the dynamism of Trippier.
Midfield
Scott McTominay (4/10):
Worked hard in midfield but couldn’t progress the ball. Always willing to run but he just had too much to do defensively to get forward.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Full of energy but overrun in midfield. Subbed for Amrabat on 80 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes (2/10):
Completely anonymous. Did nothing to help his team-mates and had no influence on the game. As poor as he’s been this season.
Attack
Marcus Rashford (1/10):
As bad a performance as you could possibly imagine. Barely touched the ball and never bothered to track back. With him on the pitch, United were playing with 10. Subbed for Antony on the hour and he was fortunate to get that much time.
Anthony Martial (4/10):
Showed some glimpses of explosive pace but had nothing to feed off. Subbed for Hojlund.
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):
Marked out of the game by Trippier. Can be breathtaking at his best but barely had a touch of the ball here.
Subs & Manager
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
On for Martial. Struggled just as much as the Frenchman.
Antony (5/10):
On for Rashford. Did a couple of ball rolls and stepovers and thought he had equalised, but his shot hit Maguire. Booked for a cynical foul as Newcastle broke away.
Sergio Reguilon (5/10):
On for Wan-Bissaka. Had an excellent shot from range well-blocked.
Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):
On for Mainoo. Moved the ball well.
Erik ten Hag (3/10):
None of his changes worked and neither did the selection of the defence. Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could both have been subbed in the first half. United aren’t playing for him on this evidence.
