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KOBBIE MAINOO delivered an impressive performance, shining as Manchester United faced their fourth straight defeat.
Newcastle scored twice within the opening 19 minutes, threatening to run up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
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Noussair Mazraoui was caught out on the right flank during both goals, while United’s struggling midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen failed to keep up with the pace of play.
Mainoo entered the match in the 33rd minute and promptly began to rectify the midfield dilemmas.
Casemiro was fortunate not to be substituted at that point, as Ruben Amorim chose instead to replace the scapegoat of Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward has had a tough time since his summer transfer, barely completing a pass against Newcastle.
However, it was hard to spot many players in red who performed well, as many vied for the title of least effective player.
Here’s how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes evaluated the performance of the United team:
Andre Onana – 5
Had little chance with the two goals and was scarcely tested otherwise.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
Both initial goals originated from his side, as he was unable to thwart the crosses converted by Isak and Joelinton.
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That said, he was proactive in possession and delivered a few threatening crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not commit significant errors for the Newcastle goals but received criticism for failing to organize his defensive line.
Ruben Amorim’s substitution of Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes was met with loud cheers as Man Utd struggled in the first half.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost track of Isak leading to the first goal while being caught off guard.
Nearly redeemed himself, but his diving header struck the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Thoroughly outmatched when contesting a cross for Joelinton’s goal.
Moreover, he lost Isak for the initial goal and was facing the wrong direction when the cross arrived.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Provided crucial stability on the left side and created a solid cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Produced a dismal performance overall. Severely off the pace and rarely made a successful pass.
Missed a golden opportunity to score just before halftime.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Equally ineffective at shielding his defense as Casemiro, often outnumbered in midfield.
He did connect a few passes and appeared better following Mainoo’s introduction.
Amad Diallo – 4
Had a difficult evening against the relentless Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, limiting his effectiveness.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Struggled considerably, quickly losing the patience of the fans. Substituted in the 33rd minute to cheers from the Old Trafford crowd.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Denied service but persisted with his runs and was one of the few positives – nearly scored with a low shot that missed narrowly in the first half.
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Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Made an immediate impact after coming on, significantly contributing with his accurate passing.
Assisted Casemiro with a chance that the Brazilian ought to have scored.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64 mins) – 6
Created a solid opportunity from a corner but failed to convert a free header.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64 mins) – 4
Could not influence the match and often struggled to take on defenders.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) –
Had too little time to make an impact in the game.
