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6 months ago
15
Manchester United kept alive their hopes of securing European football next season with a 3-2 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's side can came into the game without a win in their last three league outings and looked determined to snap a lacklustre run which could have seen them finish the campaign as low as ninth.
The Red Devils broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Kobbie Mainoo calmly slotted into the corner. However, only four minutes after the break, Anthony Gordon replied with his 10th league goal of the season.
The Magpies had their chances to grab the lead but the home side were not to be denied and secured victory thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall produced a stunning finish to set up a tense ending but Eddie Howe's side were unable to find a late equaliser.
Mail Sport's Craig Hope and Nathan Salt deliver their player ratings from Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo claimed his first Premier League goal with a fierce drive on the edge of the penalty area
Kobbie Mainoo scored his third goal Premier League goal of the season against Newcastle
MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana - 7
Can’t take much blame for the Newcastle opener given it was scored from close range by Anthony Gordon. Produced an acrobatic special to deny Joelinton a header from close range with the score at 2-1.
Diogo Dalot - 6
Newcastle’s equaliser came down his side and he won’t look back with too much fondness at the attempt to close down the cross. Nullified a clearly hobbled Kieran Trippier to very little.
Jonny Evans - 6.5
Was accused of being too casual at times against Arsenal but this was a better display all told. Won some key headers up against Alexander Isak and given the form of the Toon man this season, that’s no mean feat.
Casemiro - 7
Despite an early wobble, this was a much improved display for Casemiro, who produced a crucial last-ditch sliding challenge to deny Gordon a near-certain goal one v one, before then producing a stunning header off the line to deny Dan Burn. Given all the flack he’s taken, important to dole out praise in equal measure when it’s deserved and it was here.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6
Had his hands full with Anthony Gordon and just as he was on Sunday for the Arsenal goal he was caught napping when the winger nipped in ahead of him to equalise early in the second half.
Casemiro continued his stint in defence and produced a couple of goal-saving interventions
Bruno Fernandes came back into the side after injury and impressed in central attacking role
Mainoo calmly slotted past Martin Dubravka to give United an early lead at Old Trafford
Kobbie Mainoo - 7.5
Much more influence on proceedings here and it was his cool finish into the bottom corner that put United ahead in the first half. United fans should be excited about his burgeoning partnership on the pitch with Amad Diallo.
Sofyan Amrabat - 7
Where has this version of the Moroccan been all season? Was fortunate not to give away a penalty when scraping down the back of Gordon’s heel inside the area, but much like on Sunday against Arsenal, Amrabat’s physicality in the middle undoubtedly helps United’s balance. Produced the challenge on the match when he blocked Isak on a 3-on-1 break. Booked.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6.5
His 36th consecutive start is a monumental effort for the 19-year-old and even if there isn’t much left in the tank after a long season he continues to be a willing runner. His immense quality means he will always keep his defender honest and it opens up space for others.
Scott McTominay - 6.5
Making his 250th appearance for United, the Scot was far busier here than he was in a non-existent display against Arsenal. Often found himself as United’s most advanced player with Rasmus Hojlund dropping to the bench.
Diallo impressed in spells against Arsenal at the weekend and was again involved in United's best work
Rasmus Hojlund (left) scored United's winner less than two minutes after coming onto the pitch
Erik ten Hag saw a much-improved performance from his players and his substitutions proved astute
Amad Diallo - 8.5
Had to wait 887 days for his first United start since 2021 against Arsenal and retaining his place here he showed exactly why he shouldn’t be bumped out any time soon. His directness sets him apart from others in the squad and his thunderous winning goal added to his assist for Mainoo. Man of the Match. Booked.
Bruno Fernandes - 8
It speaks volumes that United show a step up in performance level when he’s on the pitch. His influence transcends what can be seen in the data and it was his clever dummy from Amad’s ball that allowed Mainoo the opportunity to convert. The idea that United would be better off by selling Fernandes is complete nonsense.
MANAGER: Erik ten Hag - 7.5
Was bold in his selection in dropping Hojlund to the bench and going with Fernandes as the false nine. Came out in support of Casemiro pre-match and he was repaid handsomely. Still to be seen if this is his last match at Old Trafford but if it is, he’s gone out with a bang.
SUBS
Rasmus Hojlund (for Amad Diallo, 82) - 7.5
Marcus Rashford (for Kobbie Mainoo, 83) - 6.5
Lautaro Martinez (for Alejandro Garnacho, 83) - 6.5
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)
Martin Dubravka 4.5
Left exposed for first goal but still does not convince and looked slow to get down for Hojlund’s third. An upgrade needed for Newcastle, and maybe Pope will return for final game.
Kieran Trippier 4.5
Played Mainoo onside for opener when he should have pushed out. Looked off the pace on first start since early March. A bit to prove before Euros.
Emil Krafth 6.5
His team’s best from a defensive perspective and made some crucial interventions. Also laid on chance for Joelinton - whose header hit bar - after jinking run down right.
Lewis Hall scored his second Old Trafford goal this season to set up a tense finale at Old Trafford
Kieran Trippier was at fault for Manchester United's opener by playing Mainoo onside
Dan Burn (right) had done okay but his resistance for Hojlund’s goal proved too weak
Bruno Guimaraes had a poor night for Newcastle and was sloppy on the ball throughout
Dan Burn 5.5
Had done OK until the moment of Hojlund’s goal when his resistance to the shot was too weak, and that was the game’s deciding moment.
Lewis Hall 7
Another smart display on the ball and his stoppage-time goal was wonderful. Questions remain over defensive solidity but he’s improving.
Sean Longstaff 5
Missed huge chance at 2-1 when played clear by Joelinton and never looked convincing in 1-on-1 with Onana. Passing too wayward at times.
Bruno Guimaraes 5
Needed to step up as his side’s star midfielder but he did not show. A poor night when he was sloppy on the ball.
Elliot Anderson 5.5
Not one of his better games and did not impact on the ball like he can. Worked hard, as ever.
Jacob Murphy 5.5
His deliveries had been poor until the moment his whipped ball found Gordon for equaliser. Crucial challenge in goalmouth just before break but end product - the goal apart - has to be better.
Alexander Isak 5.5
Will regret missed opportunity at 1-1 when Amrabat recovered to deflect his shot onto the bar. Did not look at his sharpest after illness, and it showed in that moment.
Anthony Gordon scored the equaliser for the away side four minutes after the half-time break
Alexander Isak (right) was uncharacteristically quiet and spurned a golden opportunity to put the Magpies in the lead in the second half
Eddie Howe's side were pegged back in their quest to secure European football next season
Anthony Gordon 7
Should have had first-half pen when sock was torn by Amrabat challenge. Had huffed and puffed a bit before breaking free for equaliser. Always a threat thereafter and laid on that chance for Isak.
Subs
Joelinton (on for Murphy 62) 6
Schar (on for Trippier 62) 6
Almiron (on for Anderson 62) 5.5
Barnes (on for Longstaff 77) 5
MANAGER: Eddie Howe 5.5
He would have been happy with his side’s start - fast and purposeful - but they faded and allowed a Man United side low on confidence to grow into the game. Changes did not impact as he would have hoped.
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