Newcastle United 2-1 Man United: Match Report

Manchester United travelled to St James’ Park on Wednesday night looking to consolidate their top-three place.

Newcastle United typically started at full speed at home, and Kieran Trippier’s hanging cross kissed the crossbar after just four minutes. Luckily, Lewis Hall fired over from the rebound.

Manchester United responded to an error from a Newcastle United throw, and Bruno Fernandes set up Matheus Cunha , but he uncharacteristically fired over when in a prime position to test Aaron Ramsdale .

Newcastle struck back, and former United man Anthony Elanga volleyed a headed clearance at goal, but it just went wide of Senne Lammens’ post.

Harvey Barnes was the next home player to try his luck from outside the penalty area, but it flew wide of the goal.

The Magpies kept up the pressure, and after 20 minutes Sandro Tonali volleyed an effort that fizzed past Manchester United’s right-hand post.

The Red Devils had a brief foray into Newcastle United’s box when Cunha and Benjamin Sesko played the ball to each other, but the Slovenian’s shot was well blocked by the home defence.

Manchester United began to keep a bit more of the ball, but the hosts launched a dangerous counter-attack with Joelinton having numerous options at his disposal. Fortunately, he chose the wrong one and fired wildly over.

On 42 minutes, good work from Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko down the right-hand side resulted in Kobbie Mainoo firing from range, but Ramsdale pulled off an impressive flying stop to his right.

Manchester United had a glorious chance to open the scoring on 45 minutes after great play by Cunha down the right. His shot was stopped by Ramsdale, but the ball fell kindly for Mbeumo. Unfortunately, the Cameroonian fired over with his right foot when he really should have scored.

The visitors had a stroke of luck when Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card after he was judged to have dived for a penalty call.

Just when things were looking up, Manchester United shot themselves in the foot when Bruno Fernandes gave away a needless penalty. Anthony Gordon stepped up and slotted the ball down the middle to give the Geordies the lead and a massive boost heading into half-time.

In a crazy ending to the first half though, the Red Devils grabbed a much-needed equaliser to make Michael Carrick’s half-time talk that little bit easier. Fernandes made up for his mistake by providing yet another assist, and Casemiro nodded in the equaliser. The Brazilian has been in stunning goal-scoring form this season and reminded the away fans exactly what they will miss next season.

The referee brought an end to a frantic half with the St James’ Park crowd seething.

Newcastle came out with character and Gordon’s effort needed to be scooped up by Lammens on 53 minutes.

As the clock ticked past the hour mark, neither side were convincingly pushing for the victory with both struggling to get into the opposition’s penalty box.

Newcastle almost regained the lead when Gordon escaped Mainoo in the box but could not convert a deep corner from Tonali.

United had their first real chance of the half when Fernandes sent in a delicious cross for Leny Yoro but he headed straight at Ramsdale in spite of being left in oceans of space.

The visitors continued to push and it was Manuel Ugarte’s turn to hit the roof of the net with a looping header.

As play entered the last ten minutes, Cunha teed up Fernandes but he could not keep his shot down from just outside the box.

Zirkzee picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a fierce, dipping effort that Ramsdale dealt with expertly.

United were made to pay for their passiveness and William Osula scored a quite brilliant solo goal to put his side in front.

He ran down the right and curled a stunning effort past Lammens to give his side a well-deserved lead.

Starting XI: Lammens, Mazraoui, Shaw, Yoro, Maguire, Casemiro , Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko Subs: Dalot, Ugarte, Zirkzee, Amad, Malacia

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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