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Player ratings: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United

by Leo Nieboer

David de Gea 6 – Had to gather a few pot-shots but little else as Manchester United largely kept the home side at bay.

Antonio Valencia 5 – While others have looked rejuvenated by the presence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Ecuadorian was way off the pace. A rusty performance.

Phil Jones 6 – Had a couple of shaky moments early on, almost handing Salomon Rondon an easy goal, but recovered well to produce a decent display.

Victor Lindelof 7 – Classy performance. Moved the ball with elegance and positioned himself well throughout.

Luke Shaw 6 – Another high intensity showing at left-back. Newcastle rarely enjoyed any freedom down his side. Could have timed some challenges and passes better.

Nemanja Matic 6 – Lost possession sloppily on a couple of occasions to begin with but played an important stabilising role in midfield.

Ander Herrera 7 – A textbook Herrera performance in many ways: strong tackles, every blade of grass covered, some useful interceptions, and just generally a solid presence in the middle.

Paul Pogba 7 – The Frenchman did not produce the same glittering attacking football seen in recent weeks but he was nonetheless central to Man United’s dominance of the game. Manipulated the ball superbly.

Juan Mata 6 – Produced a series of nice touches to move play forward but could not offer the same movement as Jesse Lingard.

Anthony Martial 6 – Showed flashes of his menace out on the left, linking up nicely with attacking players, but perhaps didn’t receive the ball enough. Swapped for Romelu Lukaku.

Marcus Rashford 7 – The confidence running through Rashford’s veins under Solskjaer is a delight to see. Made his presence felt at No.9 all game. His free-kick was parried and poked home by Lukaku, before Sanchez laid the ball on a plate for him to double United’s lead. Wonderful.

Substitutes

Romelu Lukaku 7 – Came on and, after just 38 seconds, put United ahead from close range. Two goals in two substitute appearances. He looks as if he knows where the goal is again.

Alexis Sanchez 6 – Looked slightly off the pace of proceedings, which is understandable, but still provided a crafty assist for Rashford to kill the game.

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