[Crackers]

The right side was a mess.

Mata drifting in, made some nice moves and passed the ball well, but almost zero threat, coupled with the non existence of Valencia.
No outlet on the right wing in contrast to when Young played there.

Other than that, I'm happy with the result and impressed especially by Rashford, Herrera, and Lindelof.

Valencia was hopeless. Annoying how Mata drifted so centrally but i can see why

 

[singhters]

Did well to grind out a result, typical Benitez sitting back and hitting on the counter they pretty much had 10 men behind the ball were very hard to break and were very physical which made it difficult.

Jones had some hairy moments again, still don't like him better CB's out there.

Overall a hard fought and deserved victory win win with chelsea drawing, i think we can do it.

 

[vivaronaldo]

showed some patience , grinded out a good win .....defensively still very shaky at times , but our attack looks a lot more potent

 

[The Brown Bull]

While I am delighted with another win my overriding feeling is one of anger at an incompetent set of officials who booked players for minor infringements and missed more serious and cynical fouls.Shelvey's in particular.
I thought Lindelof, Matic, Herrera , Rashford were excellent.
Onwards and upwards.

 

[wolvored]

I think we rode our luck in this game as a better finishing side would have scored. Valencia and Jones were a shambles. No one seemed to hit the heights of the other games. Saying that Lukaku could have past in the last few minutes as could Pogba to make the score more comfortable.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Ole said this was going to be our toughest test, and he was right.

Newcastle, especially in the first half, played to their strengths. With our full backs high up the pitch, they countered with long balls into channels and got into good areas on numerous occasions. Fortunately for us, they didn't have the attacking quality to finish their chances.

In regards to us, we started quite well. Got the ball out to Martial and got him in a few 1v1 situations and had some decent interplay in and around the box but didn't come to much.

Second half we had more control of the game and controlled Newcastle's counters a bit better, but we still struggled to break them down.

Thankfully, a mistake from Newcastle's keeper and great reactions from Lukaku, gave us the lead.

At 1-0, Newcastle had to push for the goal and were vulnerable on the counter, which is where our second goal came from, courtesy of Rashford.

All in all, it wasn't a great game, but we got the win and more importantly kept a clean sheet.

 

[wolvored]

Lindelof is looking like a completely different player under Ole. Get an imposing CB to partner him and our defence will look a lot better.

Agreed I said the same to my mates in the pub tonight. Really improved a lot. Plus love him taking the ball forward into the opponents half as well.

 

[Flytan]

Struggled to open them up when they were well organised and deep. Needed a set piece. We need to add quality and some different weapons if we are to unlock these types of teams

Hopefully that's what Sanchez can do imo. Mata as well but I feel like Mata coming in as a sub would work better for him since of how he changes the game.

 

[mancan92]

I know we have had a lot of games over Xmas. I know our key men; Herrera, Matic & PP have had one f’n brutal schedule. But I just hope we are not seeing a return to the falling-over, moaning, showboating, selfish carry-on that marred Pogba’s time under Mou. Maybe I’m being to harsh. Maybe my view was overly attached coloured by watching in the company of an Everton supporter.

There was nothing wrong with Pogba today. He was double teamed all game and still kept the ball moving and was involved attacking and defending. He won the ball back that led to the second goal

 

[moodyred]

Positives: Rashford and Lindelof played well today. Great to see Lukaku score twice in 2 games (Supersub just like Ole) and Sanchez moving well and creating one. We kept at it against a disciplined defence. We played attacking football and got 12 points out of 12 so far. I can almost certainly say that we would have lost points under Mourinho. A win against Spurs will convince me that Ole should be given more than just 6 months as a manager.

Negatives: Valencia was poor. He played the Mourinho and LVG style football. Passing left and backwards. Slowing down play. OGS promised every player their chance to play and I feel this was one game where he gave Valencia the chance even though he wasn't the best man for the job. Jones was horrendous. He gifted the ball to Rondon, and there was also once where he was being drawn out of position and left the middle opened. His inconsistency and lapse in concentration threatens to derail us in this game and many more to come.

Now let's make it 5 out of 5!

 

[ash_86]

We havn't won there since 2015. Very hard fought win against a team camping on their half most of the game.

 

[RedCurry]

We can’t be happy with our attacking performance today surely. The midfield was dwelling on the ball for too long. Ole has to work with the group to make it instinctive to move the ball quicker.

 

[Canagel]

We can’t be happy with our attacking performance today surely. The midfield was dwelling on the ball for too long. Ole has to work with the group to make it instinctive to move the ball quicker.

It wasn't as fluid as the last three games but it's to be expected. Newcastle had clear game plan to disturb our game and kick us all over the pitch , they were very defensive and put loads of men behind the ball. still you can only go so far attacking from one wing. The right wing was a total mess and Young/Dalot were missed tonight. The lesson from tonight is very simple. Never start Valencia and Mata combo together again. Or even more simpler; don't start Valencia again.

 

[JezChan]

We can’t be happy with our attacking performance today surely. The midfield was dwelling on the ball for too long. Ole has to work with the group to make it instinctive to move the ball quicker.

A bit harsh given how intent Newcastle were on sitting deep and choking the game, but I do agree that our attacking approach was especially stifled by our predictability to attack down the left. The Valencia-Mata combination down the right offered very little pace and incision, making it easy for Newcastle's midfield to shift right to double-mark whoever carried the ball on our left.

We did have a few opportunities on the counter, which we weren't quite clean enough to capitalise on. Can't score every chance though, and I'm very glad we managed to nab a clean sheet given the gaffes that were committed!

 

[AltiUn]

Gotta say, Newcastle are the most defensive team we've played against this season. They just tried to suck the life and soul out of the match. Ashley's really done a number on that club. I couldn't be happier with getting 3 points away there, St James Park is always a rough game for us. Generally happy with what I saw, we could have had a few more but we also could've conceded a couple too, professional performance.

 

[moodyred]

Do you know that Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham all won against Newcastle with just a 2-1 scoreline? We won 2-0 and some people are still not happy.

 

[Alek M]

I thought we lacked creativity to break them apart untill the first goal. Great strike by Rashford, but this game looked more like we would lose on the counter. Defense was shambles at times. Pogba deserved to be taken out after 60 min. We were loosing steam in midfield. But then the second goal came and we were in control. Not sure why Fred, Felaini or Pereira were not added for Pogba or Herrera to freshen things up.

Disappointed with the selfishness at the end by Pogba and Lukaku. Lingard should start on the right instead of Mata. Alexis was wasteful and will not be missed if he is gone. Can we not trade him for a solid defender?

Rashford is becoming world class. He has much better understanding and interchange when Lingard is in.

 

[sglowrider]

The players looked tired, poor first touches and short passing. But they battled it through.
Ole's subs in the past four matches have been spot on and have has almost instant impacts. Good sign.

 

[RedCurry]

It wasn't as fluid as the last three games but it's to be expected. Newcastle had clear game plan to disturb our game and kick us all over the pitch , they were very defensive and put loads of men behind the ball. still you can only go so far attacking from one wing. The right wing was a total mess and Young/Dalot were missed tonight. The lesson from tonight is very simple. Never start Valencia and Mata combo together again. Or even more simpler; don't start Valencia again.

That’s one of the problems yes.

 

[taribhumpu]

IMHO, 0-2 away to newcastle (against rough players) is a decent result. A true test would definitely be against spurs. Now that even Lukaku is firing and sanchez is back, a win is surely on the cards.

 

[automaticflare]

Valencia poor and mata not a winger
Jones is chaos

Overall good win but spurs will still beat us easy I think.

Sanchez nice cameo

4 from 4 loving it.

 

[cyril C]

Valencia was hopeless. Annoying how Mata drifted so centrally but i can see why

This is a typical problem of Mata. Is he useless, definitely not. When he plays on the right, he drifted inside. When he plays centrally, he roams around and disappear. Mata is often at the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[cyril C]

The players looked tired, poor first touches and short passing. But they battled it through.
Ole's subs in the past four matches have been spot on and have has almost instant impacts. Good sign.

You can say this for Rashford, Pogba, Shaw and perhaps Matic and Herrera to a certain extent. But no excuse for Mata, Valencia.

 

[cyril C]

I thought we lacked creativity to break them apart untill the first goal. Great strike by Rashford, but this game looked more like we would lose on the counter. Defense was shambles at times. Pogba deserved to be taken out after 60 min. We were loosing steam in midfield. But then the second goal came and we were in control. Not sure why Fred, Felaini or Pereira were not added for Pogba or Herrera to freshen things up.

Disappointed with the selfishness at the end by Pogba and Lukaku. Lingard should start on the right instead of Mata. Alexis was wasteful and will not be missed if he is gone. Can we not trade him for a solid defender?

Rashford is becoming world class. He has much better understanding and interchange when Lingard is in.

What, where can you find another sucker willing to pay 350K+?

 

[Steerpike]

I thought we lacked creativity to break them apart untill the first goal. Great strike by Rashford, but this game looked more like we would lose on the counter. Defense was shambles at times. Pogba deserved to be taken out after 60 min. We were loosing steam in midfield. But then the second goal came and we were in control. Not sure why Fred, Felaini or Pereira were not added for Pogba or Herrera to freshen things up.

Disappointed with the selfishness at the end by Pogba and Lukaku. Lingard should start on the right instead of Mata. Alexis was wasteful and will not be missed if he is gone. Can we not trade him for a solid defender?

Rashford is becoming world class. He has much better understanding and interchange when Lingard is in.

I think the comment regarding Pogba is a little bit harsh. He wasn't as influential as he had been in the previous games under Ole, but that's because Newcastle had earmarked him as one of the main threats, and basically swarmed all over him whenever he got the ball (Rashford got 'special' treatment too). This should have freed up space for other players, but unfortunately the movement off the ball wasn't as good as it has been.

I highlighted the comment regarding Lingard because I think this game showed how important his role is. If he had been on the pitch contributing his normal level of movement, it would have been much harder for Newcastle to try to mark Pogba and Rashford out of the game. They were able to do so because they weren't particularly concerned about the threat posed by Mata, and because Valencia wasn't getting forward to the same extent as Dalot or Young would have done. They would have to have paid more attention to Lingard if he had been playing as he has pace and is a goal threat - which would have made it easier for Pogba and Rashford to find space. It would also have helped Matic, who also had his least effective game so far under Ole.

Sanchez coming on was good news: I see him as the player most interchangeable with Lingard.

 

[Casanova85]

Feck yes! 0-2 vs the Geordie (never easy) and three points! 4 victories! Ole's poker! Arse and Chelskiiii, we are coming for yaaaa...

 

[Aresma7]

Should have been 3 or 4 in the end. I like how we keep going for it while still in the lead

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Brilliant decision to replace Mourinho with Ole.

The match was a difficult one. Newcastle defended and closed off spaced extremely well. However, for the most part although our attack struggled to break through and create genuine chances, which we'll need to improve at in these kinds of games, our ball retention was very impressive IMO.

Another two things to mention were

• Our strength in depth in attack is impressive. Bringing in players like Lukaku and Sanchez when you need a goal is not something a supposedly average squad/team can do. Well done to both of them for making a difference.
• Our right side is a problem. Everybody knows that I suppose. But combining Valencia who seemingly fears the half way line, and Mata who is a snail, jusr didn't work and made our attack extremely lopsided once more. It allowed the opposition to park the bus Infront of Pogba and Martial and nullify them. We need to pair Mata with a more attacking fullback or just play Lingard/Sanchez there. Would love for us to try Sanchez on the right.

 

[sglowrider]

I think the comment regarding Pogba is a little bit harsh. He wasn't as influential as he had been in the previous games under Ole, but that's because Newcastle had earmarked him as one of the main threats, and basically swarmed all over him whenever he got the ball (Rashford got 'special' treatment too). This should have freed up space for other players, but unfortunately the movement off the ball wasn't as good as it has been.

I highlighted the comment regarding Lingard because I think this game showed how important his role is. If he had been on the pitch contributing his normal level of movement, it would have been much harder for Newcastle to try to mark Pogba and Rashford out of the game. They were able to do so because they weren't particularly concerned about the threat posed by Mata, and because Valencia wasn't getting forward to the same extent as Dalot or Young would have done. They would have to have paid more attention to Lingard if he had been playing as he has pace and is a goal threat - which would have made it easier for Pogba and Rashford to find space. It would also have helped Matic, who also had his least effective game so far under Ole.

Sanchez coming on was good news: I see him as the player most interchangeable with Lingard.

Sanchez has shows glimmers of hope under the new regime. Lukaku is the Felliani of the front line. Situational impact sub. And Felliani is the Felliani of the old.

 

[Canagel]

Vile game against a bunch of grotty, sh@t-stained Orcs and Goblins. Kept our heads, got the win. Great subs!

Feck you Benitez,
Feck you Newcastle,
Feck you Mariner.

Onwards.

You forgot Shelvey.

 

[Nirv]

A good win over a Newcastle side mimicking the Wimbledom Crazy Gang of the old. Grinding a result when key players are fatigued against a side setting up shop to park the bus and counter, plus hacking us down.

In recent games, Herrera looking like the box to box player we have been missing for years. Lindelof the ball playing CB we thought we have signed, and Rashford fulfilling his much talked about potential through hard work and determination.

Sterner tests await, but I’m enjoying watching Man Utd once again. Looking forward to seeing the youngsters against Reading together with Fred, Sanchez and Lukaku having further minutes.

 

[automaticflare]

You forgot Shelvey.

Feck you Shelvey

 

[peridigm]

Brilliant decision to replace Mourinho with Ole.

The match was a difficult one. Newcastle defended and closed off spaced extremely well. However, for the most part although our attack struggled to break through and create genuine chances, which we'll need to improve at in these kinds of games, our ball retention was very impressive IMO.

Another two things to mention were

• Our strength in depth in attack is impressive. Bringing in players like Lukaku and Sanchez when you need a goal is not something a supposedly average squad/team can do. Well done to both of them for making a difference.
• Our right side is a problem. Everybody knows that I suppose. But combining Valencia who seemingly fears the half way line, and Mata who is a snail, jusr didn't work and made our attack extremely lopsided once more. It allowed the opposition to park the bus Infront of Pogba and Martial and nullify them. We need to pair Mata with a more attacking fullback or just play Lingard/Sanchez there. Would love for us to try Sanchez on the right.

Our right side has been a problem for 9 years.

 

[Alek M]

I think the comment regarding Pogba is a little bit harsh. He wasn't as influential as he had been in the previous games under Ole, but that's because Newcastle had earmarked him as one of the main threats, and basically swarmed all over him whenever he got the ball (Rashford got 'special' treatment too). This should have freed up space for other players, but unfortunately the movement off the ball wasn't as good as it has been.

Pogba stopped tracking back toward the second half. And he probably was a split second away from choking Shelvey. He deserved to be subbed.

With a GD the way it is Lukaku and Pogba should have passed at the end for a goal.

 

[Steerpike]

Pogba stopped tracking back toward the second half. And he probably was a split second away from choking Shelvey. He deserved to be subbed.

With a GD the way it is Lukaku and Pogba should have passed at the end for a goal.

I can't say I noticed Pogba not tracking back, but it may be the case. Choking Shelvey may have been seen as a positive though!

I agree about the chances towards the end.

Personally, I'd have subbed Valencia and Matic before Pogba.

 

[tieunhilang]

Any chance we can catch those scousers for the title itself now? If this is indeed the Manchester United of old like you all have felt, we are usually very strong after Christmas.

 

[tentan]

Good win again. It was a frustrating match but we done enough to get the win. Under Mourinho it would've ended 0-0 no doubt.

 

[Tony247]

how come team average score is just 6.4 like we lost yesterday!!

 

[Isotope]

...

Ok. But you still haven't discussed of why you have 0 post?

 

[croadyman]

Not sure if it’s fair or not to put the knife into Valencia’s career here but it wasn’t encouraging was it?

Genuinely think we’ll struggle to deal with a top attack, but can’t get carried away this period is about returning the clubs identity and we are doing that. Just Fancy son and Kane to make mincemeat of any back 4 we put out

Had heard that Son may be going to the Asian cup before the Utd game,however also heard he will be going afterwards.