EPL – What We Learned – Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

EPL – What We Learned – Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

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Saturday’s early kick-off saw joint leaders Manchester United entertain Newcastle United in a goalless draw at Old Trafford in which a heroic defensive performance from the Magpies denied the Red Devils all three points. 

Wayne Rooney goal ruled out for offside

Four minutes into the contest, Man United skipper Rooney broke through the middle of the Newcastle defence after a pass from Adnan Januzaj. He then calmly slotted the ball past Newcastle gloveman Tim Krul but his celebrations were prematurely cut short as the linesman raised his flag for offside. Replays suggest that the striker was hard done by as he looked to be in line with Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba. The controversial decision from the assistant referee proved to be one of many frustrating moments for Manchester United on a disappointing day.

Aleksandr Mitrovic makes full debut

After making his two other appearances this season off the bench and promptly receiving a booking in both of those matches, it was a question of if the Serbian striker was ready to start, especially in as big a match as Manchester United away. Perhaps surprisingly, the 20-year-old handled the occasion very well and on Newcastle’s rare attacks, he was a nuisance for United defenders Chris Smalling and Daley Blind. Mitrovic almost got on the scoresheet midway through the fist half, when a header from a cross from Mbemba hit the crossbar. Sergio Romero looked beaten and had the header been a few centimeters lower, the Geordies would have taken the lead. Later in proceedings, Mitrovic was substituted because of cramp but the signs were encouraging and show that Mitrovic can have a bright future at St James’ Park.

Rooney goal drought goes on

After a lackluster performance at Villa Park last Friday, today was supposed to be the day where once prolific goalscorer Rooney made a statement to all the doubters. Given the frailties of the Newcastle defence, Rooney should have been more of a handful but his lack of involvement and clear-cut chances will be a worrying sign for all associated with Manchester United. Apart from Javier Hernandez, Rooney is the only senior striker in the squad and with only two goals scored in three league games (one being an own goal), United desperately need Rooney to regain his mojo which, in the past, has seen him become one of the most feared marksmen in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s defensive heroics deny Red Devils

The Newcastle defence has come under severe scrutiny in the years gone by and it has carried onto the first two games this term with four goals conceded in two games. With the prospect of facing a Manchester United attack, Magpies fans feared for the worst but the performance of the defence and Krul was simply heroic. Captain Fabricio Coloccini had come in for some harsh but warranted questions regarding his leadership qualities but his performance at Old Trafford was superb and reminiscent of his early days at the Toon which led to his eventual appointment as captain. Another defender who was impressive was Mbemba. The centre-back was forced to fill in at right-back and made sure Memphis Depay was kept relatively quiet. However the Magpies’ best player was custodian in Krul. The Dutchman was responsible for thwarting several United attacks and the pick of his saves was just on 80 minutes when a shot inside the box from Hernandez seemed certain to go in before the intervention of Krul. No one expected the Geordies to register a clean sheet today and the defensive heroics of the back four and Krul are a large reason why they did.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Manchester United were poor in the final third and lack a cutting edge that’s for sure. What you said about Rooney is right, he needs to do more for them considering the amount of money they pay him! Schweinsteiger was unconvincing, gave away a lot of ball and looked off the pace.

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