Only two Man United players deserve praise vs Newcastle, says Jermaine Jenas

Manchester United were completely dominated by Newcastle United as they lost X-X at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.

With Erik ten Hag deciding to start Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw as his centre-back pairing against Newcastle United, the pair have been highlighted as the only two players who can pride themselves on their performances.

Manchester United could not cope with Newcastle’s intense pressure, crumbling under the lights at St James’ Park, with Jermaine Jenas explaining at half-time that only two United players deserve any sort of praise.

Read More: Player Ratings: Newcastle vs Manchester United (Premier League)

“I think the pressure they put on Manchester United, the positions they’ve been getting themselves into, has been absolutely brilliant,” Jenas said of Newcastle at half-time to TNT Sports.

“If it wasn’t for Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, they’d be 2-0 down in this game (at half-time), Manchester United. I think they’ve been nowhere near it.

“All over the pitch, these little balls, here and there, they have been killing Manchester United. The runs in behind, balls are put into good areas – they’ve been far the better side.”

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher chimed in, agreeing with Jenas. “If it wasn’t for Maguire and Shaw, who knows where Man United would be at this stage,” he said on TNT Sports commentary in the second half.

Sure enough, minutes later, Newcastle found their opening goal through Anthony Gordon after breaking through down United’s left flank. From that point onwards, the outcome felt set in stone.

Despite the second-half changes of Rasmus Højlund and Antony coming on for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, as well as Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilón for Kobbie Mainoo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, United were unable to drag themselves back into the game.

United had the ball in the back of the net in the final moments, but Antony’s shot had deflected off Maguire, who was standing in an offside position on the way in, ruling the goal null and void. Newcastle went on to take all three points on the night.