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When Manchester United welcomed Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Thursday for their Boxing Day Premier League encounter, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was looking for a response from his team. The Red Devils were woeful in the weekend’s defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Watford. It was a reality check for United; the Red Devils were expected to go into overdrive following their back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Manchester City, but that had not happened.
Solskjaer’s position was under scrutiny once again following another failure to break down a team that sat deep and the Norwegian was desperate for his team to put a statement of intent on the field. The Magpies had already defeated United earlier at St. James’ Park, so United were also looking out for revenge. Solskjaer decided to make two changes to the team that lost at home to Watford at the weekend.
Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Fred, Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira; Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood.
It was Newcastle United who drew first blood, going ahead through Matty Longstaff in the 17th minute. Just when it was looking like it could be another long night for the Red Devils, Martial drew United level in the 24th minute. Greenwood put his team ahead in the 36th minute before Rashford put United 3-1 up in the 41st minute. The home team went into the break with a comfortable 2-goal lead. In the second half, United continued their onslaught on the Newcastle goal and Martial scored his second of the game in the 51st minute. It was ultimately enough to help United seal all 3 points.
Solskjaer will be impressed with the response from his entire team, but here are the 3 men who were absolutely brilliant for the Norwegian.
#3 Mason Greenwood
The teenager has been on the fringes of the first team and had performed admirably every time he had set foot on the pitch. There were questions raised over Solskjaer’s measured use of an exceptional talent at hand, but the Norwegian has dealt with Mason Greenwood very carefully this season, ensuring that his prized asset was not overburdened with expectations. However, his recent form warranted a start and Solskjaer obliged by starting him on the right forward role against Newcastle United.
Greenwood started the game brightly and like the rest on the team, hit a higher gear immediately after conceding the goal. His work ethic was impressive, while he continued to be a danger for Newcastle in the final third. He ended the game with 2 shots and scored 1 goal. The Englishman attempted 38 passes with 84% success rate and also registered 2 key passes. He attempted 4 dribbles with a 75% success rate and also religiously tracked back whenever his team lost possession.
After Martial had scored the equalizer, Newcastle tried to get a foothold in the game. Greenwood then latched on to a miss-pass form the opposition and put his team ahead with a fierce left-footed shot that might have taken the tiniest of deflections on the way to the back of the net.
#2 Marcus Rashford
The Englishman has been leading the charge for United this season and had taken over the goalscoring responsibilities after the departure of Romelu Lukaku over the summer. Marcus Rashford had been impressive for United ahead of the game, scoring 10 goals already in the Premier League, which was his previous best in a season. However, the Englishman was one of the players who had disappointed in the weekend’s defeat and as such the game had an extra incentive for him.
Rashford combined very well with Shaw on the left side and helped carve open the opposition that led to the equalizer. After United had gone 2-1 ahead, people were left wondering if the Red Devils would let the opposition back into the game, like they had done on quite a few occasions this season already. However, Rashford had other ideas.
Just ahead of half time, Aaron Wan-Bissaka sent in a delightful cross into the far post after some good work down the right. Rashford rose the highest, beat his marker and sent the ball into the back of the net. It was a statement of intent from the Englishman, who showed great desire to score his 15th goal of the season. The goal killed off Newcastle's spirit and ensured a comfortable night for the Red Devils.
#1 Anthony Martial
Manchester United’s failure to break down teams from the lower half of the table had led to speculations that the Red Devils needed a new striker in the winter. There were also reports coming in that the club was looking at a few names to stir up an inconsistent attack. One of the players whose position was under scrutiny was Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman had been impressive for United this season, but there have been games where he has left a lot to be desired. Martial had failed to rescue his team over the weekend, so he had a point to prove against the Magpies. And right from the start of the game, a difference in attitude from the Frenchman was evident.
Martial fought for every ball and closed down the opposition like a man possessed. His pressing and harrowing unsettled the opposition and kept the defense on their toes. After United went behind early in the first half, the Red Devils needed a response. They needed someone to step up and be counted. Martial turned out to be that inspiration for his team.
The Frenchman equalized for his team, albeit with a helping hand form the goalkeeper. After the break, Martial capitalized on a poor back pass and finished expertly to take the game beyond Newcastle. His finishing abilities, work ethic and movement around the box led to a man-of-the-match performance on the pitch.
