United were left regretting missed opportunities after being held to a draw in an incident-packed game at Old Trafford.
Despite the scoreline, the game was anything but boring. Both teams had chances in the autumn sunshine, and it made for compelling viewing.
The Reds had the better opportunities and should have won it at the death; Marcus Rashford sending a 95th-minute header agonisingly inches wide from a delightful Casemiro cross.
United looked sharp at times and defended well, but Newcastle were well organised and hard to break down. Erik ten Hag was fairly happy with the performance, but will know that United need to start taking some of the chances they’re creating; especially with big games coming against Spurs and Chelsea .
“Defensive organisation, pressing, clean sheet – well done. In the first half we could have been better on the ball, more composed and we could hurt them more in the transitions. We dictated the game in the second half and created huge chances – but we have to score.
“We should have won but it didn’t happen – we’re disappointed but accept it, not we have to look forward to another big game against Tottenham Hotspur.
“Let me say clear – when you [watch] this game – we had to get a win, but we made steps; physical, mental, the football, the pressing, the clean sheet and the second-half possession. It was a really good performance, but we’re disappointed we didn’t collect the three points.”
Erik Ten Hag after the game
6s and 7s – Varane MOTM but United need to find another gear
Raphael Varane and Martinez were solid at the back and Casemiro looked assured. But this was another game in which there were almost no stand-out performances, particularly going forward.
Sancho, Antony, Ronaldo, Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Dalot.
All ‘OK’. None were brilliant. Considering the price tags, reputations and track records of this group, we really need to see more, and more consistently. Erik ten Hag believes the team is improving, but there is still a long way to go to get to the level of performance that was on display against Liverpool and Arsenal on a consistent basis.
The manager surely must be thinking of dipping back into the transfer market this coming January. PSV’s Cody Gapko has 17 goal involvements in just 10 Eredivisie games. With Ronaldo on the decline and Anthony Martial unable to maintain fitness, United must prioritise this key position.
Reds miss Eriksen
There’s no dressing it up – Fred is no Cristian Eriksen.
Whilst the Brazilian couldn’t be faulted for effort and running, his lack of creativity and passing range was painfully obvious on Sunday. Bruno Fernandes plays much better with a fellow creative player alongside him, and both were fairly ineffective.
Fred also missed a great chance that Marcus Rashford set him up for and generally had quite a poor game. You have to wonder what Fred’s role will be for Manchester United this season moving forward. At the moment he is the obvious weak link in a midfield full of quality, which may even be added to during the summer if reports about Frenkie de Jong are to be believed.
You don’t know what you’re doing!
We’re loathe to criticise referees too much but Craig Pawson’s performance merits it.
United were denied a clear penalty for a foul on Jadon Sancho and an unusual Cristiano Ronaldo goal that came from a Newcastle free-kick. Countless 50:50 decisions were given in Newcastle’s favour, which often broke up the tempo of the game.
The Old Trafford faithful (myself included) were up off their seats numerous times in sheer disbelief at some of the refereeing decisions – aren’t these big moments the types of things VAR was introduced for?? Apparently not.
If you believe in karma then United are owed a couple of big decisions this season after Sunday.
Looking ahead: two huge tests
There’s no time to dwell on the result or the performance as United welcome Antonio Conte’s third-placed Spurs on Wednesday, before travelling to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
We still feel that both of these games are winnable with the right team and performances. It’s clear that United’s chances of scoring are higher with Christian Eriksen on the pitch, but it’s unclear if he will be fit. Could we see a double-pivot of Casemiro and McTominay?
Cristiano Ronaldo was fairly ineffective against Newcastle, despite scoring two disallowed goals, and it will be interesting to see whether the manager keeps faith with the Portuguese, opts for Rashford (who is more suited to the left wing) or whether Anthony Martial is fit enough to be introduced back into the starting 11.
United must shake off the disappointment of this result quickly, train hard, raise the level again and take the game to Spurs on Wednesday.