After leading 2-0 into the second half, Newcastle United melted down and lost 3-2 to Manchester United.
Newcastle United looked set to win their first match of the season and send Manchester United into deeper turmoil as the Magpies led 2-0 into the second half. Unfortunately, they would squander the lead and lose 3-2.
Top Toons
Yoshinori Muto: It was the most dangerous performance for a Newcastle United striker this season. The Japanese international scored the second goal of the match and did well in pressuring the Man U backline.
Kenedy: For most of his appearance, Kenedy looked like the player that dazzled on loan last season. He scored the opener and helped create chances with his pace and creativity on the ball.
Jonjo Shelvey: He did well to control the midfield and spray passes into the attack. Shelvey was decisive in his passing and helped win the ball back countless times.
Mediocre Magpies
Mohamed Diame: The struggling midfielder was average in the first half and had some crucial tough moments in the second. He committed the foul to set up Manchester United’s first goal and should have buried a header to put NUFC back in the lead.
Christian Atsu: He was a late second-half substitute, but his short performance was so bad it finds him on this list. He missed a couple crucial passes in the final ten minutes and one of his giveaways sparked a goal for the Red Devils.
Quick Kicks
- This result hurts more than most. The club played so well in the first half and then choked it all away. There are positives that they can take forward, but moral victories don’t get you out of the relegation zone.
- Martin Dubravka would have been on the Top Toons because of a few of his MASSIVE saves, but I couldn’t after conceding three goals in a half. While none of the goals were soft, it still is a bad number to allow.
- Javier Manquillo played better than I expected, but he gave up too much space late to allow crosses from the right wing.
- Muto was a revelation today for the Toon. He needs to be in the lineup consistently, preferably as the target man or as the supporting striker.
- Ayoze Perez did well and his work rate frustrated Manchester United’s defense.
- There was a handball in the box missed for each side. The two penalties would have been major first-half moments.
What’s Next?
Newcastle United will have an international break to either let this result consume them or move past it and work on improving. When they return to action, it will be against Brighton and Hove Albion at home on 10/20.