7 Ups And 2 Downs Of Newcastle 1-4 Man United
We had 13 days to dwell on the embarrassment of Tottenham but Man United were back with a bang against Newcastle even if we won the game in the final 10 minutes of the game.
By far, United put in their best performance of the season and finally showed the form they were in at the back end of the last campaign.
Man United needed a win but a top-class performance was vital and while the game didn’t get me feeling we are title contenders this year, it was a confidence boosting performance that can get the season started.
So, what was the highs and what were the lows of this rollercoaster performance.
DOWN – DONNY VAN DE BENCHED
When the clock struck 7pm and the team news came out, the phone went across the room, no lie and with hindsight, the majority of the selection will feature in the Ups so it looks like Ole got it right but the one selection that remains confusing is Van de Beek. I get Donny wasn’t a priority signing for Solskjaer, but he needs to start playing the Dutchman from the start as he’s been one of our best players this season. When he came on he changed the game, so playing him from the first whistle would hopefully help see out the game before the 85th minute.
DOWN – LAME FROM JAMES
I am a big fan of Dan James but he is needing a loan ASAP. He is fast and does make runs, but his end product is non-existent. Many said James had an ok game but even me, the founder of the Dan James Fan Club, doesn’t agree with that. A small down but he needs to get some football intelligence fast or his time at United will come to an end.
UP – OLE’S TRUST PAYS OFF
I, along with most, thought Harry Maguire needed a rest after what has been a car crash of a few months for the Englishman and when the team news was released, and he was playing let’s just say I didn’t take to it well. However, Ole’s naivety turned to genius as Maguire rose from the ashes of his past to head home the equaliser for the club he captains. That is what we want to see week in week out from Maguire. Yes, the defensive performance wasn’t Maldini-esqe, but a goal will give him much needed confidence in a much-needed time. Top job Ole and Top job Harry Maguire.
UP – BRUNO TEAMGOAL-NANDES
When we won a suspect penalty, I immediately counted it as a goal and was celebrating the 2-1 lead. Then, Bruno’s average at best spot kick was saved by Karl Darlow and I was more in shock than angry which was enhanced by him being my Fantasy Football captain. We all knew his 100% record was going to end eventually and even though his penalty was on target it was a rare weak one from the boot of Bruno. However, this is an up because of what he did afterwards. In all fairness, Bruno didn’t put in a masterclass but the beauty with Fernandes is even if he plays poorly he will always get a crucial assist or goal, He is the most important player to United and his genius is what arguably won us the game. He is truly our Portuguese Magnifico.
UP – EXACTLY WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
Dr. Marcus Rashford MBE is a bit of a mouthful when shouting at the top of your voice but while his performances off the field have been inspirational, his displays on it have been questionable but with Martial suspended and Cavani isolating we needed him to perform today and boy he did just that. A goal and two assists in the final 10 was a perfect way to cap off a performance of maturity and professionalism. Let’s hope Rashford is back for good.
UP – A MATA OF TIME
Any doubts on what level Juan Mata is suited for have been eradicated after a solid display in a high energy Premier League game. Juan Mata has been under fire as of late and it was a risk playing him in this game but it paid off. Mata was running the show and was one of the best players on the pitch. As the entry title says, it was only a matter of time before Juan played to the occasion.
UP – RETURN OF THE ARACHNID
It may have taken months of frustration and hair pulling but Wan Bissaka is back. Firstly, his defensive performance was no easy feet having to keep Saint Maximin quiet, but Aaron did that with his eyes closed and then offensively, the Spider scored a rare thunderbolt that no one thought he has in his locker. Even though that goal was the first and probably the last for Wan, it will give him a much-needed boost going forward in future games.
UP – DAVE SAVES: THE SEQUEL
Just a quick note on David De Gea who continues to perform at the turn of the season. His save from Callum Wilson’s toe poke was world class and he is the reason we got back in the game. 2-1 down and it’s a different story so United hold a big debt to De Gea who continues to play for the number 1 on the back of his shirt.
UP – PE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
If Ole is a PE Teacher, I want to be in his lessons week in week out. You can’t watch that game from first whistle to last and still think Ole has no tactics or plan. The players he put out were controversial and not the best, but his tactics is what won United the game by 3 goals. I saw some people claiming it was just good players playing well. That is a load of horse manure, so when we play bad it’s the manager but when we play well it’s the players. Was it the players from January to the end of last season? No, didn’t think so. Ole gets a strong up despite starting the day with a suspect team.
What did you make of the team? Give us your thoughts below
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