Newcastle United defeated 2-0 at home by new-look Manchester United
In a tough midweek match, Newcastle United could not get a result against the Red Devils, losing 2-0 at home.
As the stretch of top opponents continues for Newcastle United, points are becoming more scarce. The Magpies lost to Manchester United 2-0 today at St. James’ Park as the Red Devils continue to impress since the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
Despite having the advantage of playing at home, Rafa Benitez lined up the hosts in a defensive formation with five players on the backline. Like many of their other matches against top sides this season, Newcastle United sat deep, battled defensively, and tried to take advantage on the counter-attack. Christian Atsu was at the center of a lot of Newcastle’s chances, missing on a few good opportunities to score in the first half. At the break, the hosts only had one less shot on target, despite a massive 27%-73% deficit in possession.
With much of the same in the second half, it started to look like Newcastle United may secure a valuable point in front of the Toon Army. Unfortunately, it was a rare mistake by a usually steady player that cost them the first goal. Marcus Rashford delivered an average free kick on target, an easy save for Martin Dubravka, but the goalkeeper fumbled the ball and Romelu Lukaku was there to smash it home from point-blank range.
It would be a defensive lapse that allowed a second to reach the back of the net. Lukaku played a ball to Alexis Sanchez at the top of the area. The Chilean was surrounded by a trio of defenders but was able to make a quick pass to Rashford, who was completely unmarked on the left side of the penalty area. The forward buried the chance, and the Magpies, in the 80th minute.
Newcastle United finished with only two fewer shots on much less possession. However, they were much more inaccurate with their passing and they were shut out again at home.
Next. NUFC Player of the Month: December. dark
The win was Manchester United’s fourth in a row since Mourinho was given his walking papers. On the opposite side, Newcastle United’s winless in their last four outings and only have one win in their last six. The Toon will need to regroup and be ready to face Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday.