In the final week of the English Premier League season, Manchester United played their penultimate game of the campaign against the mighty Newcastle United. They needed a win in this game desperately after having lost their past two games in humiliating fashion. A victory today would keep their hopes of a European berth alive for the next season.
In the first half, Newcastle United started off brightly hoping to put the hosts under pressure with an early goal. However, a 31st minute strike from Kobbie Mainoo meant that United scored their first goal in three games and led at the end of the first half. Anthony Gordon got the equaliser after just three minutes in the second half but the scores stayed level for only eight minutes. This is because Amad Diallo scored a worldie to give the team the lead again. Rasmus Hojlund later on sealed the game for his team but a late stoppage time goal from Lewis Hall kept the game alive.
Ratings for the game:
Manchester United
Andre Onana - 6
For a change, his saves were better than his distribution but could not do much for the equaliser
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6.5
The Englishman was not able to keep up with the pace of Gordon on the wing much and should be happy no goals came due to his fault.
Casemiro - 6
With no other centre-back options available, Casemiro played in the defence again and was a little error-prone at times.
Jonny Evans - 6.5
The veteran defender had a decent game and looked solid from time-to-time whenever the visitors tried to attack.
Diogo Dalot - 7.5
Once again, the full-back was helping out the attack and often caused chaos in the opposition half.
Sofiyan Amrabat - 5
The midfielder had a mediocre game as he lost possession of the ball on a few occasions. He must be lucky his errors didn’t lead to goals.
Kobbie Mainoo - 8
The youngster was once again all over the pitch and was giving it his all for the team in both defence and attack
Scott Mctominay - 6.5
The Scottish International was employed in a different role today as he helped out in the forward position and came back into the midfield while having possession of the ball as well.
Bruno Fernandes - 8
The skipper was back for the side and his creativity was once again on point today
Alejandro Garnacho - 7
The winger was combining well with the other players and was trying to create chances for his team more often than not.
Amad Diallo - 8.5
The youngster was preferred once again over Antony and showed why as he was versatile in the attack and looked for scoring opportunities. He got his reward as he scored a worldie of a goal to get the second for his team
Substitutions:
Lisandro Martinez - 6.5
Was defensively solid after coming on and looked fresh after a long break
Marcus Rashford - 6
Provided the press needed during the final minutes and had the pace
Rasmus Hojlund - 8
Sealed the game with a well timed finish from his weak foot
Christian Eriksen - N/A
Newcastle United
Martin Dubravka - 5
The keeper should have been able to stop the shot which led to the opener in the first half but could not do anything for the second one from Kobbie Mainoo
Kieran Trippier - 5.5
The veteran was back for the team and that meant some experience was added to the strong defence of Newcastle United. He was at fault for the opener as he kept everyone onside and that led to the goal.
Emil Krafth - 6
Made some key tackles in the defence and looked solid but could have done better for the opener.
Dan Burn - 6.5
The tall defender looked fragile at times but was a threat in the opposition box for most of the game.
Lewis Hall - 5
The left-back took up great positions but was not able to do much against Amad Diallo on the right wing. He got the second goal to give some hope to the team
Sean Longstaff - 4
The midfielder was not at all involved in the game and lost possession on a few occasions as well.
Bruno Guimarães - 6.5
The Brazilian was great in midfield and was great in transitioning the ball from defence to attack.
Elliot Anderson - 4
The midfielder was unable to get into the game much and was invisible at times. He was later subbed out after the hosts got the lead again.
Jacob Murphy - 7
The midfielder was great and it was his ball that led to the equaliser for the team during the second half.
Alexander Isak - 6.5
His high press often caused chaos for the opposition and was looking lively throughout the game.
Anthony Gordon - 8
The best attacker for Newcastle United in this game was Anthony Gordon and his pace created menace in the opposition box. He got his reward as he got the equaliser for the side in the second half.
Substitutions
Joelinton - 7
He dominated the midfield after coming on and looked solid against the Manchester United players today
Miguel Almiron - 6.5
The winger had the chance of the half as he looked to equalise but missed it by a whisker.
Fabian Schar - 7
The centre-back was defensively solid since coming on but couldn't do much for the third goal.
Harvey Barnes - N/A