Manchester United took on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park yesterday in the hopes of grabbing all three points on the road.
The Red Devils got off to a shaky start, conceding the game’s first goal in the seventh minute when Allan Saint-Maximin scored with a spectacular run and finish. Man United was unable to respond and headed into the halftime break behind 1-0.
In the second 45 minutes, Ralf Rangnick’s side improved marginally and leveled the score with Edinson Cavani’s goal in the 71st minute. At Tyneside, the Mancunian giants were held to a 1-1 tie, bringing the match to a close.
Let’s take a look at how each Manchester United player fared against the Magpies.
David de Gea: 7.5/10
During the 90 minutes, the Spanish goalkeeper made many crucial stops to keep the Magpies to just one goal.
Diogo Dalot: 6.5/10
He preserved a strong defensive form and made some key defensive contributions inside his own half. In the Newcastle half, Dalot created a crucial chance.
Raphael Varane: 6/10
Varane cleared his lines when necessary and made a few strong tackles in the second half to annoy the home team. However, his return was also filled with some silly mistakes in defense.
Harry Maguire: 5/10
On the defensive end of the field, Maguire was unsteady at times, putting his foot through the ball. He created one good opportunity at the end.
Alex Telles: 7/10
He did a good job on defense and created some good scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Fred: 5/10
Fred struggled at times to defend his backline, but he did create two attractive chances in the opposition half. At halftime, he was replaced.
Scott McTominay: 7/10
He was constantly willing to make a tackle and was able to reclaim the ball twice in the middle of the field. On the other hand, he provided very nothing in the final third.
Bruno Fernandes: 6.5/10
The Portuguese striker created a handful of good chances for his teammates, but he never seemed like he’d score tonight.
Marcus Rashford: 6/10
He squandered a handful of good chances to put the ball in the back of the net. He was still a constant threat to Newcastle defenders due to his pace and dribbling abilities.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10
For the majority of the game, Ronaldo was a spectator and didn’t have many clear-cut scoring chances.
Mason Greenwood: 6/10
He was always willing to take a shot at a goal, but in the first half, he was basically silent. At halftime, he was replaced.
Substitutes:
Edinson Cavani: 7/10
Second time of asking for @ECavaniOfficial 🏹⚽#MUFC | #NEWMUN pic.twitter.com/JX7i8VSAGu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2021
Cavani came off the bench to score the crucial equalizer in the 71st minute, saving Man United a point.
Jadon Sancho: 7/10
He did a good job of stretching the opponent’s defense, but he never had a shot on goal.
Nemanja Matic: 6/10
After his introduction, Rangnick’s midfield gained some bite and grit thanks to Matic.
