KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Casemiro had another night to forget at Old Trafford[/caption] Joshua Zirkzee was taken off after just 33 minutes[/caption] Harry Maguire came closest to scoring for Man Utd with a header[/caption]Noussair Mazraoui was caught out on the right flank on both occasions and United’s hapless midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled to keep up with play.
Mainoo, who started the match on the bench, solved the midfield crisis quickly after his 33rd minute introduction.
Casemiro was fortunate not to be ahueld off at that point, as Ruben Amorim instead sacrificed Old Trafford boo boy Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward has not had a happy time of things since his summer move and he barely completed a pass against Toon.
That being said, few players in a red shirt covered themselves in glory as several vyed for the worst performer label.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display.
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
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But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1873823747255238747Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1873826960083710429A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Not enough time to influence the match.