Man Utd Vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Review

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 31, 2024

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Man Utd vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Review - A Tactical Masterclass or a Fortunate Victory?

The clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford was a captivating encounter, ending in a hard-fought 2-0 victory for the Red Devils. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the reality was a tense, tightly contested match that saw both teams display periods of dominance. This detailed player ratings review delves into the individual performances, analyzing both tactical successes and areas needing improvement for both sides.

Manchester United Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Andre Onana (8/10): Onana was crucial to Manchester United's victory. His commanding presence in the box, assured handling, and quick distribution were key elements in breaking down Newcastle's press. A couple of crucial saves, especially in the second half, underlined his importance. He wasn't overly tested, but his influence on the game was undeniable. A solid debut performance worthy of high praise.

Defenders:

• Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7.5/10): Wan-Bissaka provided the defensive solidity Manchester United needed on the right flank. His tackling was impeccable, consistently dispossessing Newcastle's attacking players. His overlapping runs were less frequent, focusing more on his defensive duties. A reliable performance which showcased his defensive prowess.

• Raphael Varane (8/10): Varane's experience and composure were evident throughout the game. His reading of the game and timely interceptions were vital in neutralizing Newcastle's attacking threats. He formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martínez, providing a strong defensive backbone for the team. A commanding performance from the seasoned defender.

• Lisandro Martínez (7.5/10): Martínez's aggressive style and fearless tackling were instrumental in disrupting Newcastle's attacking flow. He won numerous aerial duels and demonstrated his exceptional ability to read the game and anticipate danger. A consistently strong performance from the Argentine international. His partnership with Varane is proving to be one of the Premier League's strongest defensive duos.

• Luke Shaw (7/10): Shaw provided solid defensive cover on the left flank, but his attacking contributions were limited. He dealt well with Newcastle's right-sided attacks, offering a steady presence. While not as flashy as some attacking full-backs, his consistent defensive performance was valuable to the team's overall stability.

Midfielders:

• Casemiro (8.5/10): Casemiro, as always, was the heartbeat of Manchester United's midfield. His tenacity, tactical awareness, and ball-winning ability were exceptional. He dictated the tempo of the game, breaking up play and launching attacks with his precise passing. A masterful performance from the Brazilian maestro.

• Bruno Fernandes (7/10): Fernandes, while not at his most dazzling best, provided a crucial creative spark. His vision and passing accuracy were key in creating chances for his teammates. He could have been more clinical in his own attempts but his overall contribution was significant. A good performance without being spectacular.

• Mason Mount (6.5/10): Mount showed glimpses of his potential, working tirelessly and displaying good pressing. However, he lacked the final product, often misplacing passes or making poor decisions in the final third. He showed promise but needs to improve his consistency in the attacking phase. A work in progress.

Forwards:

• Marcus Rashford (7.5/10): Rashford's tireless running and directness caused problems for Newcastle's defense. He was involved in the build-up to both goals and constantly threatened their backline with his pace and dribbling ability. His performance showcased his value to the Manchester United attack.

• Antony (6/10): Antony was less influential than Rashford. He showed flashes of brilliance with his skillful dribbling, but his final ball often lacked precision. He needs to improve his decision-making in the final third to maximize his impact.

• Alejandro Garnacho (7/10): Garnacho, coming on as a substitute, added energy and pace to Manchester United's attack. His contributions were positive, unsettling Newcastle's defense with his direct running and threatening crosses. A lively impact off the bench.

Newcastle United Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Nick Pope (7/10): Pope had a relatively quiet game until the second goal, showcasing his ability to command his box with confident handling. He performed his duties effectively against minimal testing. Couldn't do much about the goals conceded.

Defenders:

• Kieran Trippier (6.5/10): Trippier, as ever, provided dangerous deliveries from set pieces. His defensive contributions were solid but he was unable to provide the same level of attacking influence that he usually offers.

• Sven Botman (7/10): Botman had a strong defensive game, showcasing his composure and aerial strength. While the goals were scored against him and the team, he held the line effectively and made a number of important clearances.

• Fabian Schär (6.5/10): Schär put in a decent shift, but lacked the attacking impact that we've seen from him at times. His defensive contribution was vital to the team's overall performance.

• Dan Burn (6/10): Burn had a fairly quiet game, neither spectacular nor disastrous. He did the basics well, but lacked any significant impact on the game.

Midfielders:

• Joelinton (6.5/10): Joelinton worked tirelessly in midfield, but struggled to influence the game significantly. His defensive work was good, but his creative contributions were limited.

• Bruno Guimarães (7/10): Guimarães was Newcastle’s most creative midfielder, attempting to orchestrate attacks from deep. He showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately lacked the support to make a real impact on the game.

• Sean Longstaff (6/10): Longstaff put in a decent enough performance, largely fulfilling his defensive duties but not overly impacting the attacking phase.

Forwards:

• Alexander Isak (6/10): Isak found himself starved of service and had limited opportunities to make an impact. His movement was good, but lack of service restricted his chances.

• Callum Wilson (6/10): Similar to Isak, Wilson's impact was limited due to a lack of service and opportunities. His hold-up play was largely effective, when involved, but he didn't have much to work with.

Conclusion:

Manchester United's victory was a testament to their improved defensive solidity and midfield control. Casemiro's influence was pivotal, while the defensive partnership of Varane and Martínez proved impenetrable. Newcastle, despite their valiant efforts, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized and determined Manchester United side. While Newcastle's player ratings show a decent individual performances across the board, the overall team performance lacked the cutting edge to break down the strong Man United defense. The game highlighted the increasing gulf in class between the two teams, with Manchester United showcasing their title ambitions. The future looks bright for both teams, but this game demonstrated the progress Manchester United have made under their new manager.