Manchester United vs Newcastle United: Player ratings

Manchester United delivered an impressive victory at Old Trafford against Newcastle on boxing day to give the fans some Christmas cheer.

The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford after their shocking defeat to Watford hoping to put things right. Their opponents Newcastle were an old foe who had beaten them earlier on in the season. However this time Manchester United made sure the Tyneside club could not repeat their heroics.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men put on a brilliant attacking display and ran riot against the Newcastle United defence.

Despite suffering an early set-back when Sean Longstaff opened the scoring for Steve Bruce’s side the Red Devils fought back strong and by half-time they had overturned the score to 3-1.

There were some brilliant individual displays including yet another goal for youngster Mason Greenwood as well as strikes for both Marcus Rashford and a brace for Anthony Martial.

With that being said here are the ratings for the Manchester United team following their victory.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea – 6

The Spanish goalkeeper came back strong after his blunder against Watford a few days ago. Whilst he didn’t have a particularly lot of things to do, he still remained calm and solid showing his maturity.

Right back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka -7

He looked much more assured when defending and way more comfortable on the ball too. He delivered an absolute peach of a cross to Marcus Rashford for United’s third goal of the game demonstrating that despite his critics he can indeed be an asset going forward too.

Centre Back: Harry Maguire – 5

He was dominated by Newcastle United’s Joelinton for Sean Longstaff’s goal and that raised questions about whether the former Leicester City man can be the solid defender United need. Maguire recovered well though and he looked solid after.

Centre Back: Victor Lindelof – 5

The Swedish centre back was likewise caught out of position during Newcastle United’s goal and looked shaky during that particular passage of play. Newcastle didn’t threaten much in the second half but Lindelof looked good on the ball and composed.

Left-Back: Luke Shaw – 6

It was a far better display from the left-back then his performance against Watford. Shaw made an excellent run going forward for United’s first goal and he looked solid in defence too.

Holding Midfielder: Scott McTominay – 7

The towering Scottish midfielder was great, he really controlled the midfield and made a strong challenge which led to United’s third goal. Overall, his display oozed class and he is proving why he should be Solskjaer’s first choice midfielder.

Central Midfielder: Fred – 6

The Brazilian was comfortable on the ball and he was constantly on the move. He made some good passes and was lively throughout.

Central Midfielder: Andres Pereira – 6

Likewise the Brazilian also had a good game, and his lay off to Martial was well executed to help United claw back to level terms.

Right Winger: Mason Greenwood – 7.5

Another excellent performance by the youngster. He struck his goal well and the eighteen year old continues to prove why he should have a place in United’s first team squad.  An excellent dribbler with great pace and clearly a good eye for goal.

Striker: Marcus Rashford – 8

He looked good on the ball and was key in bringing United’s attack forward. His leap for his header was excellent and the skills he put in were all paying off before he was substituted.

Left Winger: Anthony Martial – 8

A great performance by the Frenchman he took both his goals well and his pace was a constant threat to Newcastle’s defence.

Substitutions:

Paul Pogba – 6

He came on at half-time and oozed class once more. The World Cup winner will surely start the next game for United.

Jesse Lingard – 5

He didn’t really make an impact coming on but he did try his best and ran throughout the game trying to open up space for his teammates.

Juan Mata – 5

He looked calm and composed but he mainly just moved the ball side to side and didn’t really make much of an impact.

Who was your man of the match against Newcastle United?