MATCH REVIEW - MANCHESTER UNITED v NEWCASTLE UNITED

Dan James' upturn in form is certainly a welcome return
[Image Courtesy of Manchester United]

Manchester United finally put their Premier League woes behind them after a comfortable 3 - 1 win against Newcastle as we saw Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, and Bruno Fernandes finding the target. 

MATCH OVERVIEW

Bruno Fernandes chipped in with 2 more goal involvements

The match at Old Trafford was a bit dull to start with as both teams were relying more on individual quality than tactical brilliance to break the deadlock. Marcus Rashford continued his breathtaking form as he drove from the left flank into the box and rifled a shot into Darlow's near post. Just before halftime, a poor header from Harry Maguire landed at the feet of Allan Saint-Maximan who converted to bring the Magpies level.

As if a switch had been turned on at halftime, the Red Devils came in with purpose and tried to create chances to get into the box. The breakthrough finally happened when Dan James was played in via a deflection from Bruno Fernandes and scored in what is his most important goal this season. A Bruno Fernandes penalty wrapped a win for the Red Devils which takes them back to second in the Premier League. Shola Shoretire was also given the chance to make his debut for Manchester United when he came on for Marcus Rashford.

Proud Moment! - Marcus Rashford passes the baton to debut boy, Shola Shoretire

TACTICS OVERVIEW

The Red Devils lined up in their usual 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 in what was a depleted squad of sorts hampered by injuries to some key players like Cavani and Pogba and McTominay. Fred and Matic started as the double pivot ahead of a familiar back four of Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof and Wan Bissaka. Up-front it maybe should have been Greenwood instead of Martial was given his poor form.

Martial yet again cut a frustrating figure

VERDICT

It was maybe not the best game from Manchester United but we still made it through due to individual quality. Marcus Rashford was immense against the Magpies and he is going to give Bruno Fernandes some competition for Manchester United's top scorer. Speaking of the Portuguese he too was pivotal as he came up with a goal and an assist. Dan James is finding some form as he has now scored 3 goals in three appearances for United. The Welshman has looked good so far. 

But according to me, the Man of the Match was Luke Shaw. This guy has become possibly England's best left-back and is achieving consistency levels that Dennis Irwin used to achieve. I think it is time to put some respect around his name as if not for Bruno, would be the Player of The Season so far.