Newcastle hero Matty Longstaff admits debut winner vs Man Utd was ‘hit and hope’ as he’s presented man-of-match award by brother Sean
NEWCASTLE’S goalscoring hero Matty Longstaff has admitted that his dream winner against Manchester United was “hit and hope”.
The 19-year-old crowned the perfect Premier League debut when he fizzed in Jetro Willems cut-back in the 72nd minute at the Gallowgate End.
And the Magpies held firm to seal a vital three points for Steve Bruce’s strugglers while further piling the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
St James’ Park’s new hero Longstaff, while flanked by his brother Sean, told Sky Sports: “Last night you go to bed dreaming of it but you never think it will happen. I’m over the moon, speechless.
“I found out I was in the team yesterday after training, the butterflies started going and I looked forward to it ever since, I was buzzing.
“[On his goal] It was hit and hope and rather than a placed shot but it’s in the back of the net. You can’t describe the feeling, running away to the fans, it was surreal.
“I thought my first half shot was in but it hit the bar. That was a bit disappointing but to get the goal in front of the Gallowgate, it’s that little bit special.”
His brother Sean was a target of Manchester United throughout the summer, and he could hardly contain his joy as he passed over the man-of-the-match award to his little brother.
He said: “I’m over the moon. I know how hard he’s worked. He’s been the best player in training. He was a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t be prouder of him.
“It was great. Look how lively he was, he made my job a lot easier. He was really quiet last night, he’s usually bouncing around the house shouting. I’ve never heard him so quiet.”
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The crucial win sees Newcastle climb out of the bottom three and up to 16th.
And they are now just one point behind crisis club Manchester United.
Matty Longstaff’s only previous senior appearance had been against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup – but after this man-of-the-match display the youngster can expect to be involved in upcoming tests against Chelsea and Wolves.