Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United: 5 tactics from Solskjaer that won the game

#2 Smart Substitutions

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United were feeble in attack in the first half and even though they did barge forward at every opportunity, they were not as effective as the previous three games. At halftime, the teams were still tied at 0-0 and while United had looked the better of the two, they lacked composure in the final third. As a result, Newcastle were still in the game and United were getting nervy.

By the 63rd minute, Solskjaer had seen enough to know that changes were required to get the results. He put in Lukaku for Martial and replaced Mata with the fit-again Sanchez. Within seconds of coming on, the Belgian had sealed the deal for his manager. A Rashford free kick was parried away by Dubravka, and Lukaku showed outstanding stealth and alertness to react the quickest. Before the goalkeeper could collect the ball, the Belgian had tapped in to give United a deserved lead.

Sanchez also looked lively since coming on and his moment arrived in the 80th minute. After receiving the ball near the box, with all the Newcastle defenders preparing for him to shoot, the Chilean was aware enough to notice Rashford totally free in the box. Sanchez set up the Englishman, who had the time to take a touch and then finish smartly to take the game away from the opposition.

Solskjaer's clever substitutions works brilliantly on the night and it was the hallmark of a capable manager who understands his team and the requirements of the game well.