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Manchester United have once again put in an embarassing performance against a top half team, losing by one goal to nil against Newcastle United.
The hosts took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. It came as no surprise as they were barraging their visitors with chances.
Newcastle could have easily won this game by about a four or five goal margin.
Let’s dive into the performances of the players and the manager.
Andre Onana – 4/10
No high profile mistake for Onana this time but he still cut a nervous figure in his goal.
He looked unsure on a lot of Newcastle’s corners and his passing was wayward more often than not.
Diogo Dalot & Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 2/10
These two were absolutely shambolic throughout the game, especially in their defensive awareness.
Wan-Bissaka is not entirely to blame for the gaps that were left down his side though. We will get to Marcus Rashford soon.
Luke Shaw & Harry Maguire – 7/10
The only two players who can walk out of St. James’ Park proud of their individual performances.
The Englishmen defended like warriors and were the main reason for the scoreline not being much more shameful for Manchester United.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10
I felt sorry for Kobbie Mainoo in this match.
He was the only one with an ounce of calmness and composure on the ball but was badly let down by his teammates.
It will be difficult for him to develop properly in this kind of environment and directionless style of play.
Scott McTominay – 2/10
McTominay has one major skill – looking busy whilst not doing anything.
Whenever he doesn’t score, he’s just about the most hopeless player you can have in your midfield.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
Fernandes was one of the very few players actually trying to make something happen in this game.
He threaded through some lovely passes to Alejandro Garnacho and was working hard out of possession.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10
Just like in the last few matches, Garnacho was United’s biggest attacking threat.
The only issue was that the rest of the team was so poor, Garnacho barely got a chance to make anything happen.
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial – 0/10
These two put in the worst performances I’ve seen from any player this season.
Throwing their arms around, jogging about and killing every potential attack.
Rashford’s defensive work in particular was truly diabolical. Tino Livramento was slicing through Manchester United’s left-hand side like a hot knife through butter.
Erik ten Hag – 0/10
I’m rapidly starting to lose my patience with Erik ten Hag.
The persistence with Scott McTominay, kicking it long from every goal kick to an attacking trio incapable of winning aerial duels, the disjointed press, the exclusion of Raphael Varane.
He is in his second season of managing Manchester United and we are no closer to understanding what the identity of this team is meant to be.
I would not be surprised if he loses his job soon after Sir Jim Ratcliffe comes in, and I wouldn’t be against it if this mediocrity continues.
