Coming into the game, [team 14] were winless in their last two after disappointing draws against [team 10] and [team 13]. With the red devils looking back to their best in the [league 5] game against [team 594], expectations were high for their game against Steve Bruce’s side. Newcastle’s recent form was quite mixed and with [player 1065]’s long-term injury, relegation could be a worry.
Ole made one change to United’s starting eleven with [player 96088]’s injury making way for James to return. Martial started as the striker with a formidable unit behind him. Surprisingly, Newcastle’s line-up raised a few eyebrows as [coach 455377] picked a more attack-minded approach than expected. Almiron started behind Saint-Maximin and [player 33645] with Willock in midfield.
First-Half
As mentioned above, United were also surprised with the way [team 20] started the game. The away side was pressing with intensity and were passing the ball effectively. As always, [player 32508] was a constant outlet for the magpies and was causing trouble down the left-wing. [player 257663]’s central position was also being a problem for the home side with the two pacy Newcastle players having a lot of joy in transitions.
Newcastle were winning a lot of second balls in and around Man United’s 18-yard-box and a few shots were taken. However, two long-range shots from [player 819] were disappointing as none of them was on target. Despite the missed opportunities, this was encouraging for Steve Bruce and his staff. James then had a shot easily saved by [player 1397] before Almiron had two shots saved by [player 832].
The red devils required some brilliance from their frontmen to create some chances. In the 30th minute, [player 1878] scored one of the best individual goals of this season. He picked up the ball on the left-wing and nutmegged [player 129966] before entering the box. The Swedish defender was back in position but again lost the battle. As a result, the 23-year-old shifted the ball on his right foot and a proper low finish gave the home side the advantage.
However, just six minutes later, Newcastle were back in the game when Saint-Maximin shot hit the roof of the net. [player 2884]’s headed clearance was a poor one and the French winger was quick to pounce on the mistake. Once again, Man United didn’t pick up a loose clearance, and this time they were punished.
Manchester United finished the first half strongly but were poor in the final third. Newcastle had 4 out of 6 shots on target whereas Manchester United had only 2 of their 5 on target. Fernandes was struggling to get involved and when that happens, [coach 524307]’s side struggle to create.
Second-Half
Newcastle looked fresher at the start of the second half and had Man United on the back foot. Saint-Maximin forced another save from De Gea in the 50th minute. Manchester United were starting to grow in the game and gradually the away side was starting to struggle. Joelinton made way for [player 2712] with the striker struggling with a knock he picked in the first half. Newcastle had a fine spell and could have done better with their final pass or shot.
With the game growing, Man United came forward and [player 1335] executed a classy turn in the 18-yard-box and his pass went all the way to [player 5149]. The Welsh youngster finished the opportunity and Manchester United had their lead back.
In the 70th minute, [player 1829] made way for [player 20333643] with Solskjær hoping to increase the lead. Five minutes later, [player 1494447] fouled Rashford inside the box and United had a penalty. The decision since had divided opinions with a lot of ex-professionals not happy with Rashford’s reaction to a minimal contact. Nevertheless, their top scorer and talisman [player 129602] converted the chance and the home side were now on a two-goal cushion.
Newcastle overall played a good game and in some spells, their end product could have changed the game. However, the win of the home side was inline with betting tips 1×2 and meant that relegation worries will increase at Tyneside. For Man United, the title looks unlikely after [team 9]’s imperious ongoing form but a second-place finish would be a massive success.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16943053]
