Speculations over Jose Mourinho’s dismissal after the Newcastle United game were shrugged off by Manchester United officials. But conceding twice against the struggling Magpies within 10 minutes at Old Trafford reignited the burning issue. Things could have gone terribly wrong this evening. However, the Red Devils had some other ideas as they scripted a memorable comeback late in the second half and clinched an incredible 3-2 triumph dramatically.
Below are the Manchester United players rated in their stunning win against Newcastle United.
David De Gea: 6.5
C0nceded twice within ten minutes but kept his side in contention denying Yoshinori Muto from close range. Made a few more routine stops but should have done better with his distribution.
Ashley Young: 7
The versatile veteran struggled defensively against the pace of Kenedy and Ayoze Perez on a few occasions but kept on making forward runs and whipping in crosses inside the congested box. The hard work paid off as his pinpoint cross was converted by Alexis Sanchez in the closing minutes to complete the comeback at the Theatre of Dreams. Was lucky not to concede a penalty in the first half as he handled a Newcastle free-kick inside his box.
Chris Smalling: 6
Struggled defensively throughout the game and looked off-pace against Perez and Muto. Forced Martin Dúbravka to make a save towards the end before Sanchez’s winner.
Eric Bailly: 5
A disappointing afternoon for the centre-back who was taken off at around the 19th-minute mark for tactical alterations. Was replaced by Juan Mata who instigated a second-half comeback.
Luke Shaw: 6.5
Had a shocking start defensively but kept his composure in attack right until the very end as his lung-busting runs depleted the Newcastle backline, particularly after the break.
Scott McTominay: 5.5
The youngster started the game in midfield but was shifted to an unusual centre-back role in place of Eric Bailly. McTominay struggled in the makeshift role and was replaced by Marouane Fellaini at halftime.
Nemanja Matic: 5.5
A disappointing evening for the Serbian who missed a sitter in the second half and struggled defensively as he was forced to operate as a centre-back alongside Chris Smalling.
Paul Pogba: 7.5
The Frenchman was featuring in the middle of a three-man backline at one stage in the game but was reintegrated in his usual free role later on and played his part to stage a comeback midway in the second half. Forced Dubravka to make a stunning save but contributed to Martial’s equaliser with a clever backheel pass.
Marcus Rashford: 5.5
Rashford looked off-coloured throughout as his movements, and final deliveries lacked imagination. Was replaced by Alexis Sanchez who scored the winning goal to seal all three points after nail-biting 90 minutes.
Anthony Martial: 8.5
Played a pivotal role in scripting the turn around as he won a free-kick just outside the box which was converted by Juan Mata to keep the hopes alive. He then made it all square with a thumping strike following a quick one-two with Paul Pogba inside the box. His link-up play and counter attacks brought the hosts back in the game after an hour of shocking football.
Romelu Lukaku: 6
Failed to threaten the Magpies despite being the lone ‘number 9’ but made a goal-line clearance in the closing minutes to deny Mo Diame’s header which could have altered the fate of the game.
Substitutes
Juan Mata: 8
Mourinho’s substitutes changed the game, and it was instigated by the Spaniard who pulled a goal back from a stunning free-kick.
Marouane Fellaini: 7
Introduced physicality in the middle of the park that allowed the Red Devils to regroup and hit back the visitors.
Alexis Sanchez: 7.5
Exquisitely ended his goal drought as he headed home in the closing minutes to complete the comeback securing all three points amid enormous pressure.
