sportskeeda
KOBBIE MAINOO’s performance stood out as Manchester United suffered their fourth straight defeat.
Newcastle struck twice within the first 19 minutes, threatening to run up a substantial score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was taken off after just 30 minutes in a lackluster No. 10 position – but Ruben Amorim’s side showed no signs of recovery.
Here’s how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes evaluated the United performance…
Andre Onana – 5
Had little chance to stop either goal and was infrequently tested aside from that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
The first two goals came from his side due to his inability to close down the crosses leading to Isak and Joelinton’s goals.
Nonetheless, he displayed some positivity with ball possession, creating a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Didn’t make significant errors on the goals conceded but faced criticism for his lack of organization among his defensive teammates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost track of Isak for the opening goal as he was caught off guard.
He almost redeemed himself, but his diving header struck the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Struggled physically and positionally against Joelinton for the cross that resulted in a goal.
Also lost track of Isak for the opener and was caught out of position as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Provided some much-needed stability on the left side and delivered a solid cross for Maguire’s header opportunity.
Casemiro – 3
Had a disappointing performance, struggling to keep up and barely completing a pass.
Missed a key opportunity just before half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Equally ineffective in defense, often being overwhelmed repeatedly.
He did connect a few passes and showed some improvement after Mainoo’s introduction.
Amad Diallo – 4
Had a challenging evening against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, resulting in minimal productivity.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went right for him, leading to the fans quickly turning against him. He was substituted in the 33rd minute, with cheers greeting his exit from the Old Trafford crowd.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Gave his all despite the lack of support and was one of the few positives – came close with a low shot that narrowly missed the target in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Made a significant impact upon entering, creating opportunities with accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance that he should have converted.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64 mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but directed his header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64 mins) – 4
Struggled to influence the game and was unable to beat any defenders.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Had too little time to make an impact on the match.
