Man Utd Player Grades: Newcastle Match

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Post on Dec 31, 2024

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Man Utd Player Grades: A Disappointing Draw Against Newcastle

Manchester United's trip to St. James' Park ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving many fans feeling underwhelmed. While the performance wasn't entirely devoid of positive moments, the overall display lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a resolute Newcastle defence. Let's delve into individual player performances and assign grades based on their contributions.

Goalkeeper:

• Andre Onana (7/10): Onana had a relatively quiet game, but his command of the area and distribution were reassuring. A couple of crucial saves prevented Newcastle from taking the lead, showcasing his growing confidence in the United goal. His distribution, although not always perfect, was a significant improvement over previous games.

Defenders:

• Diogo Dalot (6.5/10): Offered decent defensive solidity and contributed positively in attack with some promising runs down the right flank. However, his final ball could have been sharper, limiting his overall impact.

• Raphael Varane (7/10): A composed and commanding presence at the back. Varane read the game well, intercepting several dangerous passes and winning vital aerial duels. His experience was invaluable in keeping Newcastle at bay.

• Lisandro Martínez (6.5/10): Martínez's tenacity and aggression were on display, but he sometimes let his frustration show, leading to a few needless fouls. His passing, while generally accurate, lacked the incisiveness that could have unlocked the Newcastle defence.

• Luke Shaw (6/10): A solid, if unspectacular, performance. Shaw provided defensive stability, but his attacking contributions were minimal. He needs to offer more going forward to truly justify his place in the starting XI.

Midfielders:

• Casemiro (7.5/10): Once again, Casemiro was United's midfield anchor, shielding the defence with his tireless work rate and astute positioning. His distribution was generally excellent, launching attacks effectively from deep.

• Mason Mount (6/10): Mount worked hard but lacked the final product. He showed glimpses of his creative ability, but his decision-making in the final third let him down. He needs to be more decisive and clinical to truly make an impact.

• Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): Fernandes' tireless running and creative intent were evident, but his usual magic was absent. His set-piece delivery was off target, limiting his opportunities to create chances.

Forwards:

• Marcus Rashford (6/10): Rashford was relatively quiet throughout the match. He worked hard but was often isolated, struggling to make a significant impact on the game. He needs better service to truly shine.

• Antony (5.5/10): Antony's direct running and trickery were occasionally effective, but he struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. His end product needs significant improvement.

• Anthony Martial (6/10): Came on as a substitute and offered some much needed dynamism in attack. However, he couldn't quite produce a goal or assist. Showing signs of improvement but still needs more game time.

Substitutes:

• Alejandro Garnacho (6/10): Showed glimpses of his pace and skill, offering a fresh attacking impetus when he came on.

• Scott McTominay (N/A): Didn't play long enough to merit a rating.

Overall:

The 0-0 draw against Newcastle highlights Manchester United's current struggles in the final third. While the defence performed admirably, the lack of cutting edge in attack is a significant concern. The team needs to improve their clinical finishing and creative midfield play to challenge for major honours this season. This match serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to achieve their ambitions.