”The young players made significant contributions to Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle, indicating a more positive future at Old Trafford. Following a difficult period of poor results, the Red Devils managed to defeat Newcastle in a hard-fought match at home. While the victory was not achieved easily, the implementation of VAR and the impressive performances of the young talents guided Erik ten Hag’s team to success, while also keeping their slim hopes of qualifying for European football next season alive.

Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring by finding himself unmarked in the penalty area and calmly finishing into the bottom corner after receiving an excellent pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Shortly after, Anthony Gordon entered the penalty area and was brought down by Sofyan Amrabat, who clearly made contact with his heel. Despite the incident being reviewed by VAR, the referee’s decision not to award a penalty was upheld. Casemiro then came to the rescue by clearing a Dan Burn header off the goal line.

In the early stages of the second half, Gordon finally got the goal he deserved by skillfully converting Jacob Murphy’s superb cross. However, United quickly responded as Amad Diallo unleashed a powerful strike from just inside the box to restore their lead. Later, substitute Rasmus Hojlund secured United’s victory by holding off his marker and finishing confidently into the bottom corner. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall did manage to ignite hopes of a dramatic comeback with a stunning long-range goal, but it proved insufficient as time ran out.

GOAL magazine provides player ratings for Manchester United’s performance at Old Trafford.”

Andre Onana (6/10):

Outwitted by Gordon’s precise finish and left powerless by Hall’s late sensational strike. However, he exhibited his shot-stopping abilities with a crucial save to thwart Longstaff in a one-on-one situation, ensuring United’s lead remained intact. Onana’s athleticism also came to the fore with an acrobatic stop to deny Joelinton.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

Instrumental in Mainoo’s goal with a sublime pass, but grappled to contain the elusive Gordon throughout the match. Interestingly, Wan-Bissaka showcased a rare display where his offensive contributions surpassed his defensive prowess.

Casemiro (5/10):

Once again deployed as a makeshift center-back. Showed resilience by clearing the ball off the goal line to preserve United’s advantage in the first half. However, he struggled to contain Gordon during the latter’s goal. Casemiro’s willingness to put his body on the line was commendable, but his lack of pace could have proven detrimental to United had luck not been on their side.

Jonny Evans (6/10):

Given little time to react to Murphy’s cross, but admirably stood firm against the threat posed by Isak, showcasing his defensive capabilities.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Caught out of position when Amrabat failed to control the ball, leading to the equalizer. Nevertheless, Dalot consistently surged forward, providing an attacking outlet on the left flank.

Kobbie Mainoo (8/10):

Exhibited an uncanny ability to find pockets of space and capitalized on it with a clinical finish. He latched onto Wan-Bissaka’s perfectly timed through ball, evading any marking in the box, and calmly dispatched the ball into the net.

Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):

Fortuitously escaped conceding a penalty after an awkward challenge on Gordon. Engaged in defensive duties with great commitment but had his fair share of lapses. A loose touch from Amrabat allowed Murphy to deliver the cross that led to Newcastle’s equalizer. However, he redeemed himself by throwing his body in front of Isak’s goal-bound effort, denying a certain goal. A busy outing for Amrabat, although not one of his most memorable performances.

Scott McTominay (5/10):

Tasked with the role of United’s deepest midfielder, McTominay found himself often dropping back due to Newcastle’s relentless pressing. Looked uncomfortable at times as he found himself on the fringes of the game, struggling to assert his influence.

Amad Diallo (8/10):

Unleashed a fierce shot that tested Dubravka’s reflexes in the first half, displaying his quick and agile dribbling skills. The highlight of his performance was a magnificent goal, as he struck a powerful half-volley beyond the keeper. Diallo proved to be a shining light on the right flank, showcasing immense talent and potential. His substitution was met with a well-deserved standing ovation.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Deployed in a false nine role, Fernandes frequently dropped deep to allow Amad and Garnacho to surge forward. While his positioning occasionally left United lacking a focal point in attack, his exceptional passing range was on full display. Fernandes contributed an assist for Hojlund’s late goal, showcasing his ability to create opportunities.

Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

Released by a well-timed pass from Fernandes, Garnacho found himself denied by Dubravka in a one-on-one situation from a difficult angle. Among United’s attackers, he had the least impact on the game, struggling to make his presence felt as Trippier effectively marked him throughout the match.

Rasmus Hojlund (7/10):

Brought on as a substitute for Diallo, Hojlund wasted no time making an impact as he found the back of the net with his very first touch. Showing strength to hold off his marker, he unleashed a low shot that nestled into the bottom corner, adding to United’s lead.

Lisandro Martinez (N/A):

Entered the game as a replacement for Mainoo, receiving a rousing reception from the crowd after a lengthy absence due to injury. United will be hopeful that Martinez can maintain his fitness in the upcoming season.

Marcus Rashford (N/A):

Introduced as a substitute for Garnacho, following an incident involving a fan before kick-off.

Christian Eriksen (N/A):

Brought on as a substitute for Fernandes in the latter stages of the game, providing fresh legs and helping to manage the game’s tempo.

Erik ten Hag (6/10):

Made crucial decisions that proved effective, including deploying Fernandes as a false nine. Although United conceded some significant chances and had to rely on VAR, Ten Hag’s overall management of the team was commendable. Hojlund’s immediate impact as a substitute was a welcome bonus, even though Hall’s late strike added a touch of nervousness in injury time.