Manchester United put in another underwhelming display on Sunday as they drew 0-0 with Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
It was a largely even contest, with the visitors perhaps shading things in the first half and United the better side after the break. But the Red Devils failed to create enough clear-cut chances against Eddie Howe’s well-organised defence.
It was Newcastle who started the game on top, with David de Gea, making his 500th appearance for the club, keeping out headers from Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes, and a shot from Jacob Murphy shot from outside the box.
But the goalkeeper could do nothing as Joelinton met a Kieran Trippier cross in the box and his header crashed off the crossbar. The rebound fell back into the path of the Brazilian, who, incredibly, then hit the bar with the follow up.
United did improve marginally in the latter stages of the half and Antony forced a save from Nick Pope after he poked a shot at goal inside the box, while Bruno Fernandes’ header was also kept out.
The second half started with Cristiano Ronaldo seeing two goals ruled out. The first was due to the forward starting United’s attack in an offside position, while the second came after Fabian Schar touched the ball back to Pope for a Newcastle free-kick. Ronaldo slowly edged forward and, about 10 seconds later, took a touch and then placed the ball into the back of an empty net. The goal was ultimately disallowed, despite some robust complaints from the United players.
But it was a second 45 that was shy on goalmouth action. Miguel Almiron fired over with an effort from distance, as did Marcus Rashford with a free-kick after coming on. United’s No.10 nearly found the match-deciding moment when he latched onto a ball in behind, rounded Pope and crossed for the waiting Fred in the middle. But the Brazilian couldn’t make a clean contact on the ball as he was closed down and skewed his shot wide. Rashford also headed over in injury-time from a floated Casemiro cross.
Here’s how we rated the players...
1. David de Gea- 5
Still doesn’t look comfortable with his kicking in Ten Hag’s system, and the goalkeeper distribution was poor, often making United look nervous.
2. Diogo Dalot- 6
Rarely gave the ball away and won his individual battles against Murphy and Ryan Fraser, but didn’t create many chances advancing from right-back.
3. Raphael Varane- 6
Should have had a penalty awarded against him in the first half for a challenge on Callum Wilson, but overall, performed well on his return to the team.
4. Lisandro Martinez- 6
Had a few erratic moments early on but settled into the game. The centre-back received the ball a lot from goal-kicks and helped link defence and midfield.