Manchester United endured a poor afternoon as they were held to a stalemate by Newcastle United at their home.
Both Marcus Rashford and Fred had the chance to secure what could have been a massive three points but it was a sorry affair as the hosts wasted a gilt-edged chance to reduce their gap with the top four.
Newcastle were more incisive in the first half as they pressed higher on the pitch to keep the hosts under pressure but the end product was disappointing.
Joelinton tried to head home Kieran Trippier’s cross but both of his headers came off the woodwork as the crowd heaved a sigh of relief. The game got marred by what appeared to be a number of controversial referring decisions.
After having a goal disallowed for offside Ronaldo snatched the ball to tap into the empty net from Fabian Schar who gave a gentle nudge to the ball as the referee awarded a free kick. But the goal was not given as the match official rejected the plea that Schar moved the ball deliberately. Ronaldo then had a penalty call ruled out as Trippier tripped him inside the box.
Jadon Sancho then was pretty unfortunate as the Newcastle midfielder’s extended leg caught the English winger but VAR ruled out the player from any wrongdoings.
Rashford’s introduction saw United pushing for that winner and the moment almost came. The forward received an excellent pass from Bruno Fernandes through the Magpies’ defence and rounded off Nick Pope to square it off to Fred. The Brazilian had just to make the slightest touch but couldn’t tap the ball in.
Rashford was again involved as his header went just wide before the referee blew his final whistle.
The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Erik ten Hag’s men.
Sir Alex Ferguson presented awards to Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea before kick-off today 🏆🤝 #MUFC
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ appearances for de Gea
7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ club goals for Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/ZhBhJIHsak— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 16, 2022
David de Gea: 5/10
The scoreboard won’t suggest the Spaniard’s struggles but the 31-year-old almost had a catastrophic moment when his shoddy distribution caught his own defender but the danger was averted. Wasn’t bothered much by the Newcastle attackers.
Diogo Dalot: 6/10
If the Portuguese doesn’t improve his defensive aspects it would be difficult for him to continue throughout the season. Took a central position a number of times but didn’t have any impact.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Marshalled the back line well. Had a couple of good interceptions to deny the Newcastle players from inflicting damage.
Lisandro Martinez: 6/10
There was an intent from the player to win every ball but that incisive passing was missing.
Luke Shaw: 5/10
Battled well to win back possessions but didn’t offer much support going forward which also affected the game of Jadon Sancho. Should continue on the left side of the defence.
Casemiro: 6/10
Ticked the play well but needs to be sharper with his passing. Latched on to a couple of scrambling challenges and was even booked for a reckless one. Should have got an assist in the penultimate minute as he floated a wonderful cross for Marcus Rashford who headed it wide.
Fred: 5/10
Tried his best in the middle of the park and bombed ahead a few times. But wasn’t comfortable in dictating possession and if Christian Eriksen is fit he will certainly lose his place.
Bruno Fernandes: 4/10
Hardly influenced the game as he overdid everything possible to get it going. A big drop in the intensity for the Portuguese.
Antony: 6/10
Kept United’s hope shining with a not-so-glimmering display down the right channel. Showed flashes of brilliance but hardly distracted Dan Burn who kept him under strict check. His one-dimensional attacking display will not work in the long run.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 5/10
Had a goal disallowed in what was otherwise a frustrating afternoon for the forward. Clearly lost his pace and could be on the brink of uncertainty for a place in the starting lineup.
Jadon Sancho: 5/10
Should have earned a penalty. Kieran Trippier got the better of him most of the time and showed very little creativity.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford: 6/10
Should have killed the game with a header from Casemiro’s inch-perfect cross.
