Manchester United Player Ratings: Red Devils find top form in Paul Pogba’s return against Newcastle
It’s been over two months since Paul Pogba last featured for Manchester United. Two long months.
But as Pogba’s returned to the starting XI against Newcastle, the Red Devils once again looked like one of the best teams in Europe — let alone England.
The 24-year old bagged himself a goal and an assist as the Red Devil throttled an overwhelmed Newcastle, 4-1 at Old Trafford.
Manchester United look like serious title contenders once again with their star midfielder back. However, they find themselves 8 points off of the league leaders. But with two derby’s still to play, there will be plenty of chances for the Reds to make the ground up. The important takeaway today is that Paul Pogba is still the driving force of this team.
Joining Pogba on the score sheet was Martial who scored the equalizer, Chris Smalling, and Romelu Lukaku who finally ended his drought for the club.
It was a fantastic beatdown that Manchester United fans expect. Should they continue this play they will be a serious threat to the Noisy Neighbors.
Player ratings
GK David de Gea, 7.5 — Made a fantastic save to deny Jonjo Shelvey. Was confident in goal. One of the world’s best for sure.
DF Antonio Valencia, 7.5 — Valencia go forward early and often. Nearly found Lukaku for the opener. Fantastic game on both halves for the Ecuadorian.
DF Chris Smalling, 7.5 — Could have played better to prevent Newcastle’s opener, but made up for it with his go-ahead goal on the brink of halftime.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 — Fresh off of qualifying for the World Cup with Sweden, the center back continued to struggle with United. Shared a majority of the blame for Newcastle’s lone goal.
DF Ashley Young, 8 — Another run at right-back for the Englishman and he didn’t disappoint. Had the assist for Smalling’s header.
MF Nemanja Matic, 8 — The Serbian looked much more comfortable and composed in the middle with Pogba back. Sound defensively and always looked to get the attack started.
MF Paul Pogba, 10 — This team has struggled without Pogba. He was expected to come back and immediately change the team for the better. He did. The Frenchman was fantastic. Finding Martial with a delightful cross and then tapping in after a well-worked movement. Man of the match.
MF Marcus Rashford, 7.5 — Rashford got a run at the No. 10 today. He was excellent, and was unlucky to not get any great scoring opportunities. He floated around the pitch and linked up great with Martial.
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FW Juan Mata, 8 — Getting a run at right-wing, Mata was a threat all afternoon. Had a wonderful one-two with Lukaku to get the Belgian back on the scoresheet.
FW Anthony Martial, 8.5 — The 21-year old could have had a hat trick tonight. Was a threat on the left all night, and towered to meet Pogba’s cross for the equalizer.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 9 — Our Big Belgian finally ended his scoreless drought with a late strike. However, he was involved all night. Could have finished with two assists, but was a threat all night.
Substitutes
MF Marouane Fellaini, 6.5 — Brought on for Pogba in the 70th minute. Helped see the game out. Nearly scored late.
FW Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 7.5 — The Lion returned to his den. Zlatan replaced Anthony Martial in the 77th minute and was immediately involved. Nearly scored an incredible volley late on.
MF Ander Herrera, NR — Brought on for Juan mata in the in the 83rd minute. Almost had an assist in the short time he was on.
Next: Paul Scholes: Top 5 goals ever for Manchester United legend (video)
A fantastic performance by Manchester United to keep pace with City atop the Premier League. They have to keep these performances up to pose a serious threat, but with a fully fit squad that is more than possible now.