Newcastle United suffered another defeat at home as they lost to Manchester United by a score of 2-0.
Newcastle United fought hard for 64 minutes, but Manchester United managed to score two goals in the second half to take all three points. Newcastle were, as expected, ultra-defensive in this match, but they still found a way to move the ball forward as they created 14 shot attempts against a quality opponent.
Manchester United deserved to win this match, though, and they came close to scoring more goals as they constantly attacked Newcastle through stoppage time. Several observations were made during this match, but here are three key things we learned against the Red Devils.
Lack of Precision
This observation is rather obvious and disappointing. Creating 14 shot attempts against an elite team is impressive, but only putting three shots on target is the exact reason why Newcastle only have 18 points after 21 matches. The Magpies were in some good positions to score throughout the match, but shots were either fired straight at David De Gea, over the bar or way wide.
Aside from Salomon Rondon, every other player on this team cannot find ways to score goals and this only makes the relegation battle more difficult.
Aggressive Defending
Despite conceding two goals, Newcastle’s back-line looked solid against such a dangerous attacking core. The Magpies’ defenders certainly emulated their aggression from the Watford match against Manchester United and it played a major role in limiting the Red Devils to only two goals. If Newcastle want to be in competitive in matches against elite squads they must be aggressive. Jamaal Lascelles set the tone with his aggressive defending against Marcus Rashford and the team needs more of that from the skipper.
The Atsu Effect
Christian Atsu has been consistent and reliable for Newcastle in midfield. Ever since the match against Everton, the Ghanaian winger has served the club as a surprising playmaker. Manchester United had no answers for stopping Atsu down the flank as he created four scoring chances on his own. He placed the Red Devils under pressure multiple times and he did everything right except for score.
Atsu had two great chances that he should have buried, but his shooting needs some work. If Atsu can help Rondon by scoring some goals as a midfielder Newcastle could start taking points from top teams in the Premier League.