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Van Gaal started off the game without Di Maria as he had a late injury in the training session. Still, his players were outstanding in the Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Manchester United beat Newcastle United 3 goals to 1 in which Wayne Rooney scored twice and assisted one to Van Persie. There was only one player who deserved the Man of the Match, and thst was Wayne Rooney without any doubt.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 being the highest)
GK David De Gea, 8: He made 3 saves in the game and one was a terrific save from Janmaat shot in the first half and was largely untroubled other than the penalty. He couldn’t save the penalty but still he was in decent form as always.
CB Phil Jones, 6: Had little to deal with in a defensive sense before tripping Colback with just five minutes to go. But it was an unnecessary tackle which got converted into a goal from the spot.
CB Jonny Evans, 7: Played in the left side of United’s three men defence and was solid . He had a decent game after a short period of time but couldn’t end with a clean sheet.
CB Paddy McNair, 8: He was a lucky charm once again for Manchester United. In all the games he has started Manchester United have ended up in winning position. Growing in stature by the game and kept his own personal winning streak alive with an accomplished display.
LWB Ashley Young, 9: He was so busy running past Newcastle defence many times. It was a tough job for Janmaat to stop Young , but still Young made several crosses . It was a transformed Ashley Young under the new manager Van Gaal. He delivered plenty of quality balls into the centre from his left wing-back berth.
RWB Antonio Valencia, 7: He was not so accurate in converting the crosses as he was expected to .But still Valencia was the source of plenty of United's attacking threats on the right.
CDM Michael Carrick, 7.5: As always he was on hand to win the ball back and set his colleagues going from a deep-lying midfield position. He had a decent game with accurate passes and interceptions.
CM Wayne Rooney, 9.5: Even though he was assigned a central role, on the pitch he was everywhere and that resulted in him scoring two goals and assisting one. He was playing like a attacking midfielder. Man of the match! He took his two first-half goals with aplomb and set up Van Persie for another.
CAM Juan Mata, 9: The word playmaker really suits players like Juan Mata. It was a brilliant display from the Spanish playmaker who was on hand to create United's first two goals.
ST Robin van Persie, 8.5: H played a very crucial role of being a dummy in the first 2 goal setups! He played largely on the periphery but made an impact with his second-half header.
ST Radamel Falcao, 8: Falcao starting for the first time at Old Trafford after the Everton game could make up the first goal with a brilliant assist. It was another encouraging performance from the striker seeking a permanent deal. Involved in the approach play for the first two goals.
Substitutions
Rafael: He was brought on for Valencia wide on the right.
Fletcher: As expected he was in action as a replacement for Carrick.
Wilson: Youngster with speed replaced Falcao just after the hour mark.
