Newcastle 2-0 Manchester United: The reaction
Manchester United need to quickly shake off Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle.
It was a dire display at St James’ Park.
Manchester United deserved to lose and we’re lucky Newcastle didn’t put the ball in the back of the net on more than two occasions.
At the other end, United hardly challenged Nick Pope.
After losing today, it makes for a busier end to the season because we are unlikely to have top four sealed up before the end of the season.
Not unless our league form picks up.
3 observations from the game
Casemiro badly missed
United’s midfield was non-existent. Erik ten Hag surprised us with his line-up because Scott McTominay played further forward, while Bruno Fernandes sat deeper with Marcel Sabitzer. The sooner we get Casemiro and Christian Eriksen back the better.
Martial returns
It was great to see Martial back on the pitch. Even though I felt like I’d completely given up on him, I was calling for him to come on half-time. The main reason for that was Wout Weghorst made no impact on the game whatsoever. He hardly touched the ball. Martial didn’t score but he brought some excitement to United’s attack. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts the next game, should he steer clear of any knocks.
When is De Gea going to claim the ball from crosses?
Time and time again, I see corners come into our box with David de Gea bedded to his line. Unwilling to budge, even if there’s a member of the opposition standing next to him. It cost us for the second goal today and he was nervy every time the ball came to his feet.
Match report: Red Devils fall to fourth after dismal display
By Isabel Crofts
Manchester United have fallen to fourth place in the Premier League after sustaining a 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park.
The Red Devils offered almost no threat on Tyneside this afternoon when taking on fellow top-four competitors Newcastle United.
Both sides entered the interval at a stalemate, though the Magpies had looked significantly more threatening in the first half and picked up exactly where they left off in the second.
Joe Willock headed home to open the scoring in the 65th minute, before Callum Wilson doubled Newcastle’s tally in the 88th and secured all three points in the home side’s favour.
Reds’ dip in form a concern
United have now failed to find the back of the net in their last three league matches, and have shown that work still needs to be done if they want to be playing Champions League football next season.
Next up is another difficult clash on Wednesday, April 5 against seventh-placed Brentford at Old Trafford.
Player ratings
By Arvin Amin
Manchester United have failed to win for the third consecutive game in the Premier League after yet another sombre performance, this time against Newcastle United.
This follows a series of poor performances from United, who are looking like an increasingly fatigued side with each passing week as the season comes to its most decisive period.
David de Gea – 7
Made one stunning double save in the first half and then produced more magic to deny Joelinton in the second half. Could do very little about the goals.
Diogo Dalot – 4
His impressive first half of the season feels like years ago at this point.
Raphael Varane – 5
One of the very few players who actually turned up to play.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
There wasn’t much he could do to improve what was in front of him.
Luke Shaw – 4
The lack of urgency was astounding.
Scott McTominay – 3
Clearly, he’s not someone Ten Hag wants to start games but injuries and suspensions gave him no option.
Marcel Sabitzer – 3
Just like his midfield partner, the game passed him by.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Some good passes aside, careless and sloppy.
Antony – 5
Bright start to the game but that was about it.
Marcus Rashford – 4
You’d have to watch the game again to confirm that he actually played.
Wout Weghorst – 3
He’s having far too many games where his involvement is almost non-existent. Needs to have some sort of impact.