Manchester United were dispatched by a much hungrier and better Newcastle United side at St James Park, with the Reds simply having no answer for the second half onslaught from the home side.
Manchester United were the better side for much of the opening exchanges regarding possession, but they were torn apart halfway through by the brilliance of Alexander Isak and the clinical Sandro Tonali.
There were some impressive performances in the red ranks, with Harry Amass making his long-awaited debut and looking strong in and out of possession, and Altay Bayindir also having a quietly good game on his Premier League debut, particularly with a miraculous save from a well-struck Isak shot in the box.
A couple of minutes later, that save proved vital, with Diogo Dalot marauding forward and slipping a brilliant pass through to Alejandro Garnacho, who made no mistake with the finish. That joy was to be short-lived, however, with Harvey Barnes breaking United hearts early in the second half.
Barnes doubled his side’s lead a couple of minutes later after a slip from Noussair Mazraoui, condemning United to defeat on another dark day for Ruben Amorim’s side. Matters didn’t get any better from then on in, with Altay Bayindir compounding his side’s goalkeeping issues with a gift for Bruno Guimarães’ goal.
It’s not an ideal scenario for United going into Thursday’s game against Lyon, particularly with Joshua Zirkzee looking to have pulled his hamstring.
United player ratings vs Newcastle
Altay Bayindir – 5
Impressive and calm in the United goal in the first half, he made a brilliant save from Isak to keep the score at 1-1. Very strong first half, and he could do nothing about the two Barnes second-half goals, but he will be devastated about his gift for Guimarães. Onana will likely be back in the team next week.
Diogo Dalot: – 7
The Diogo Dalot United fans would have loved in the first half in and out of possession, but the Portuguese defender was poor for Newcastle’s opening goal and looked leggy for the rest of the half. Decent performance overall, however.
Leny Yoro – 6
Continuing to grow in the shirt, commanding and dominant, but did lose sight of Isak for the goal. Impressive despite that during both halves. Will be vital on Thursday if United are to go through.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Defended well at times but did get torn apart from Newcastle’s third goal by Harvey Barnes, although the same could be said for several United players in that second half.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
His actions were similar to those of Lindelof. Did his job, clever on the ball, but not massively involved during the first 45. Struggled to defend Barnes over on that right-hand side and made an error leading to a goal that he won’t want to look back on.
Harry Amass – 7
Might seem generous, but he was very good in his opening 45 in a hostile atmosphere. Held his own physically, and every United fan around the world will have a smile on their face watching a Carrington graduate thrive in the first team. Came off around 55 for Patrick Dorgu.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Booked for a tackle on Tino Livramento, he did not have much of the ball but defended well outside of that at times. The second half didn’t see much of a change, as the Uruguayan struggled to progress his side up the pitch through his passing.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Not really in the game at all. Feels like a passenger but still has that class on the ball at times. Strange that he stayed on the pitch with Garnacho getting taken off, but the manager will have one eye on Lyon.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Ridiculous footballer. Some of the things he has been doing in recent weeks are truly remarkable He consistently performs at the highest level for United, demonstrating his exceptional abilities each week. Didn’t have his usual impact through a goal or assist, but anything good United did or could do came through him after the goal.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
HHe has been improving; aside from the Lyon game, he has had a great run and a great finish to the goal.He needs to continue this performance to thrive at the club. Came off in the second half to stay fresh for the bigger game on Thursday.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Struggled to get involved but showed Berbatov-esque class when he did. He is growing in confidence but will be gutted by the hamstring injury, which could end his season. Best wishes.
Substitutes:
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Surprisingly effective when he came on. He linked play well and at times managed to pin Newcastle’s defenders. Encouraging cameo. Will be starting next week; after Zirkzee’s injury, United will need him.
Mason Mount – 5
Didn’t really get into the game in the same manner as he did last week. It’s fantastic to have him back on the field. Amorim will be hoping he can stay fit.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
There was no significant impact. None of the subs bar Rasmus made any sort of impact on changing United’s fortunes. It was a gloomy day.
Luke Shaw – 5
Another player the club will be delighted to have back. He slotted in at left centre-back but wasn’t on long enough to make a difference.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
United need him back in the team as soon as possible, but today was more about fitness than anything else.
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