Manchester United 4-1 Newcastle United: 5 talking points as Ronaldo-inspired Red Devils rise to the top of the table | EPL 2021-22

#3 Newcastle struggling for form under Steve Bruce

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has a tough task ahead of him

Despite giving a creditable account of themselves against Manchester United, Newcastle United have not had the best start to this campaign. A 2-2 draw with Southampton before the international break won them their first point of an otherwise joyless season.

However, having now lost three of their first four league games, Newcastle find themselves at the wrong end of the table. A frustrating exit from Carabao Cup and a thigh injury to star striker Callum Wilson has made matters worse for Bruce’s men. As such, a quick response is needed from the side as a whole if they are to arrest this downward slide.

---

#4 Manchester United continue to struggle against deep-lying defences

Bruno Fernandes & Co. were frustrated for large parts of the game by a well-drilled Newcastle defence

Manchester United’s apparent inability to break down well-organised defenses has become a recurring theme in recent times. Under Solskjaer, the Red Devils seem to prefer attacking opponents on the counter rather than having to unlock deep-lying defensive units. In such situations, United invariably seem to rely on individual brilliance or an opposition error to find a breakthrough.

In addition to these struggles in front of goal, United have also made it a habit to overcommit and concede on the break themselves. That was exactly what played out against Newcastle as well. The hosts initially found it quite difficult to break down their dogged opponents and were given a helping hand by the opposing goalkeeper.

2 - Javier Manquillo has scored only his second goal in 104 Premier League appearances, and first since May 2017 for Sunderland against Chelsea. Unscripted. pic.twitter.com/ODaZEkg8Nh

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 11, 2021

However, a swift Newcastle counter-attack caught the home defense napping as the visitors got back on level terms early in the second half. Fortunately for United, they were able to restore their lead fairly quickly and ran away with it soon after. A concerted effort to attack games with increased intensity definitely needs to be a priority for the Red Devils going forward.

---

#5 Paul Pogba continues to shine in Manchester United's midfield

Pogba (R) was brilliant for Manchester United tonight

Often criticized for his displays in a Manchester United shirt thus far, Paul Pogba seems intent on silencing his critics this season. The Frenchman has started the campaign on fire, with a sparkling four-assist display in United’s opener setting the tone.

Paul Pogba’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle: 92% pass accuracy 125 touches 103 passes completed 23 final third entries7 duels won 6 ball recoveries 4 aerial duels won 3 chances created 2 tackles 2 assists Seven assists in his first four games now for the Frenchman. 😎 pic.twitter.com/R8Mt0jEqBL

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 11, 2021

Despite starting the season out on the left wing, Pogba has made a seamless move into central midfield and seems to be thriving there. The full range of his exceptional passing ability has been on display this season, and his fellow attackers have reaped the benefits.

As such, Manchester United will be hoping that a new contract offer is enough for him to commit his future to the club. With his contract coming to an end in the summer, there will be no shortage of suitors for this version of Pogba.