Marcus Rashford impressed while Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes also scored as Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manchester United were the stronger of the two teams in the opening exchanges but had to wait till the half-hour mark to break the deadlock as Marcus Rashford left Emil Krafth dead in his tracks before beating Karl Darlow at his near post to make it 1-0.
Newcastle United struck soon after with Allan Saint-Maximin firing a powerful effort past David de Gea after Harry Maguire’s botched clearance. The Magpies grew in confidence from that point on as half-time arrived. Twelve minutes into the second half, however, Daniel James produced a strong finish to put the Red Devils back in front.
And the game was put to bed in the 75th minute when Rashford won a penalty after being fouled by Joe Willock, with Bruno Fernandes making no mistake from the spot. The result meant Manchester United remain second in the Premier League table, ten points below leaders and neighbours Manchester City.
Here’s how we rated the performances of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the night at Old Trafford.
David de Gea: 6/10
A botched clearance early in the game almost gifted Newcastle a goal but Jonjo Shelvey failed to make the most of it. Made a decent save to deny Saint-Maximin but could have done better to stop the winger from scoring. Another half-decent stop after the break. Not entirely convincing, though.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10
Had his hands full dealing with the dangerous Saint-Maximin, which perhaps curtailed his involvement further up the pitch. Nevertheless, could certainly do with a break having played relentlessly.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
Another game wherein the Swede did not look comfortable. Had troubles with the pace of Almiron and even though he carried the ball out well, just doesn’t seem like a good fit alongside Harry Maguire.
Harry Maguire: 5/10
Maguire doesn't even look at the ball and elbows a player in the box. Not checked by VAR ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/jKZGV0OUs2
— Matt (@MGH) February 22, 2021
Could have given away a penalty for a barge on his opposite number Jamaal Lascelles very early on in the game. Mix up with Fred early on could have also gifted a goal. Got the assist for Rashford’s goal. Then failed to deal with a cross effectively, as he inadvertently ended up assisting Saint-Maximin for the equaliser.
Did post solid numbers, winning six aerial duels, making four clearances, two tackles and an interception but still looked unconvincing.
Luke Shaw: 7.5/10
Back into the team in place of Alex Telles, Shaw continued his good form. Drove forward from left-back regularly, making three dribbles while also completing a game-high key passes, showing his importance in chance-creation for Manchester United. His consistency has been a refreshing sight.
Luke Shaw created more chances (5) than any other Man Utd player against Newcastle.
Flying down the wings. pic.twitter.com/Epw7gD8xHC
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 21, 2021
Fred: 5/10
Started off in a sloppy manner and got an earful from his skipper. Worked hard in typical fashion but passing was a bit poor at times while his shooting was way off the radar when he took aim at goal on occasion.
Nemanja Matic: 6/10
Coming into the side due to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba’s unavailability, the Serbian did what he does best in the middle, although needed to be a bit more ambitious with his passing. Did play a role in the second goal, however.
Daniel James: 6.5/10
Handed another start after his goal-scoring display against Real Sociedad, the Welshman added another goal to his kitty on Sunday with a well-taken effort in the second period. Showed good energy throughout, but apart from the goal did not make any other notable contribution in attack with his end product still leaving a lot to be desired.
Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals this season (25) than any other player in the Premier League.
It's the seventh time he's scored AND assisted in the same league game this season. pic.twitter.com/tl8XYVcPBo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 21, 2021
Not at his brilliant best and cut a frustrated figure at times. But Manchester United’s talisman still managed to chip in with a goal and an assist. Deft touch to set up James for the second goal before he beat Karl Darlow exacting revenge after the Newcastle goalie had stopped him from the penalty spot earlier in the season.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Brilliant run to leave Krafth behind and open the scoring in the first period. Posed a threat each time he got on the ball and cut inside from the left side. Went on to win the penalty in the second half that sealed the result.
Marcus Rashford’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle United:
85% pass accuracy
28 final third passes
9 attempted take-ons
5 successful take-ons
4 ball recoveries
2 fouls won
2 shots
1 goal
1 penalty wonOutstanding. ? pic.twitter.com/BeivqoKoHW
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 21, 2021
Anthony Martial: 3/10
Coming in for Mason Greenwood, the Frenchman endured a torrid outing. Hardly got into the game all night and did little of note apart from a good run and shot that forced Darlow into action. Does not convince as the long-term No. 9 for Manchester United.
SUBSTITUTES
Mason Greenwood: 5/10
Replaced Martial with twenty minutes left on the clock. Lively but made little impact.
Juan Mata: N/A
On for James in the dying stages.
Shola Shoretire: N/A
The 17-year-old starlet made his first-team debut when he replaced Rashford in the 89th minute. Got a few touches.
