Callum Wilson is crowded out as he attempts to win a header at Old Trafford. Pictures: MARTIN RICKETTS/PA WIRE
THERE was a time, not too long ago, when Newcastle United would have regarded a draw at Old Trafford as one of their best results of the season. That the Magpies left Manchester United yesterday bitterly disappointed at only claiming a point shows how far they have come. While their opponents flounder, the Magpies continue to go from strength to strength.
They were the better side in the first half of yesterday’s game, when Joelinton somehow headed against both the crossbar and post in the space of a couple of seconds, and stood firm resiliently when Manchester United attempted to build up a head of steam after the interval .
They remain a point behind Erik ten Hag’s side in the table, but the fact that their only defeat of the season remains their controversial last-gasp loss at Anfield speaks volumes for both their ability and attitude. In terms of challenging the big six this season, this Newcastle side increasingly have to be regarded as the real deal.
It helps that they are led by a manager who believes in them. In previous years, a succession of Newcastle bosses have tweaked their tactics for a trip to Old Trafford, often stationing five at the back or trying to bolster their side with an extra defensive midfielder. Eddie Howe was having none of it, and of the many refreshing changes that have occurred over the last 12 months, a refusal to be fearful of a game against a member of the established ‘big six’ is one of the most welcome.
It could, of course, be argued that Manchester United’s current diminished status makes them vulnerable, and unlike in previous Newcastle visits to Old Trafford, when the away side struggled to get a touch, yesterday’s possession stats were much more equal throughout.
In fact, it was the Magpies dominating the ball for long spells, especially in the first half, when they carved out by far the better chances. David de Gea claimed early efforts from Bruno Guimaraes and Jacob Murphy as Newcastle’s desire to press high up the pitch reaped a series of rewards, but the Spaniard was beaten twice inside a minute midway through the first half, only for the woodwork to come to Manchester United’s rescue.
Story continues
Having seen a free-kick blocked by the opposition wall, Kieran Trippier chipped the ball into the box, where it was met by a Joelinton header that ricocheted off the crossbar. The rebound enabled Joelinton to direct a second header towards goal, but this one crashed against the left-hand post with de Gea once again beaten. Suffice to say, Joelinton couldn’t have come up with such a bizarre one-two if he had tried.
Newcastle would have merited a lead at that stage, as much for their sense of adventure as anything else, with Manchester United’s ongoing struggles evident in the succession of misplaced passes that peppered their play.
With Cristiano Ronaldo looking a shadow of the player that had terrorized Newcastle on so many occasions in the past, the hosts rarely threatened, although Nick Pope was forced to display smart reflexes to keep out Antony’s shot with his legs when the Manchester United winger turned neatly in the area shortly before the break.
Pope was called into action again on the hour mark, claiming Antony’s deflected low effort, and Newcastle were required to do more defending in the second half as a whole as Manchester United finally started to display some of the urgency that was chronically lacking before the break .
One of the home side’s main tactics appeared to be throwing themselves to the floor at the merest suggestion of contact in the penalty area – Jadon Sancho seemed especially unable to stay on his feet – but referee Craig Pawson stood firm and thankfully this was one occasion where the VAR did not intervene.
As a result, Newcastle held firm, although hearts were in mouths when Marcus Rashford beat the offside trap with two minutes left. The England international skipped around Pope, but while he squared the ball to Fred, the Brazilian could only produce a first-time effort wide.
