Red Devils left frustrated by Magpies draw

The first half saw Sancho owning the right wing and putting several balls in to the box. After surviving the early pressure, Newcastle gained confidence and had the best of the chances in the first half. Joelinton saw two consecutive headers rebound off the woodwork off a Trippier cross, which would have been a deserved first half lead. The home side managed to see off this wave off pressure and go into the changing room at 0-0.

After resurfacing for the second half, the Red Devils saw a Ronaldo goal ruled out for offside. He had calmly slotted a Fernandes ball underneath Nick Pope, but it was soon wiped away for an offside in the build-up. When Pope was preparing to take the resulting free-kick, Ronaldo claimed to have seen a Newcastle player touch the ball, and smashed the dead ball into the empty net, resulting in the Portuguese-man getting booked for protesting when it was not given. 

Newcastle were on the back foot for the main part of the second period, and used occasional counter attacks to see off the Man Utd pressure, but to no avail. The last 10 minutes saw all 11 magpies camped in their own box, soaking up pressure from United. This resolute defending was enough to see out the draw, even despite a last-gasp Rashford header was floated round the post, leaving the English striker more than disappointed after squandering United's best chance.

The draw leaves things equal as they were at the start of play, with Man Utd sitting in 5th, and Newcastle breathing down the necks, one point behind, in 6th. Next up for Ten Hag's side is a tricky tie against Spurs at home, while Newcastle host Everton in three days.

 

October 16, 2022