Manchester United stunned by Newcastle United in Premier League

Manchester United continued to sink as Newcastle United hand them their third defeat in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Newcastle United started the game positively, driving forward to create a goalscoring opportunity in the second half. Miguel Almiron’s dangerous cross was blocked by Ashley Young in the second minute stopping the hosts from taking the lead.

United continued to dominate possession throughout the first half but struggled to create chances from open play. The visitors were conceding ball cheaply in dangerous positions to allow Newcastle to initiate counter-attacks.

Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems were the most dangerous players for Newcastle while going forward. The duo combined well on the left flank and kept on posing threat to United’s defense whenever they entered the final third.

Matty Longstaff rattled the bar in the 27^th minute after Saint-Maximin fumbled on the ball in front of United’s box. The 19-year-old launched a piledriver that beat David De Gea and struck the framework of the goal. Newcastle grew into the game and had the chance to get the first goal of the game in the 38^th minute. Almiron got the better of United’s defense with his diagonal run, but he took way too much time to launch his shot.

The visitors looked devoid of ideas in the final third. It was not a big surprise that their best chance came from a set-piece at the end of the first half. Young managed to deliver from a corner to find Harry Maguire in the box, only for the English defender to miss the target from point-blank range.

In the second half, Newcastle looked threatening from the word go as Almiron and Saint-Maximin combine well to create the first opportunity for the home side. United also had created half-decent opportunities before the hour mark but couldn’t force Martin Dubravka to make any notable saves.

Mason Greenwood’s introduction around the hour mark and a change of shape for Man United did bring life into the game. They started looking threatening as Fabian Schar made two brilliant blocks to deny United clear-cut goalscoring chances.

As the game started looking stretched, Newcastle managed to provide the killer blow by opening the scoring in the 73^rd minute. After a swift counter-attack initiated by Saint-Maximin, Longstaff slotted past David De Gea through a fierce shot from the edge of the box.

United toiled hard to find the equaliser, but the home side defended resolutely in the final quarter of the game. The defeat leaves them in the 12^th position, three points above the relegation zone, while Newcastle will be relieved for the time being after getting the much needed three points.

Team Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot (Rojo, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Young (c) (Chong; McTominay, Fred; Pereira, Mata (Greenwood 75’), James; Rashford

Subs unused: Romero, Gomes, Williams, Matic

Newcastle United (5-4-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Schar, Lascelles, Clark, Willems; Almiron (Kraft 90’), S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Saint-Maximin (Atsu 83’); Joelinton (Caroll 56’)

Subs unused: Darlow, Dummett, Shelvey, Gayle

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