Man United 3-2 Newcastle: Amad’s Old Trafford Statement!
A second to last game of the season for both Manchester United and Newcastle may not provide answers fans and pundits weren’t knowledgeable of already, but such a fixture with historic value could provide a sense of optimism or preparation for future endeavours.
Manchester United’s refreshed starting XI looked to decimate a winless streak of three games, while Newcastle despite their injury riddled campaign set their sights on becoming the latest team to inflict misery at Old Trafford. That wouldn’t come without a challenge however, given that the last and only time a Magpie side flew away victorious on the red side of Manchester came all the way back in 2013, courtesy of a Yohan Cabaye goal.
Both teams began in an equal manner, finding enticing spaces to operate within the final third, to no avail. As United themselves warmed into their final home game of the season, it was Alejandro Garnacho and the returning Bruno Fernandes who put together a chance well disturbed by Martin Dúbravka.
Sadly for Eddie Howe and co, Kobbie Mainoo’s opening strike was not to be touched. Amad’s work on the right hand side was majestic, cutting in and delivering a ball that slithered into the path of Mainoo, touching and finishing with class. A bewildering moment for Kieran Trippier in particular who was visually divorced from his defensive compatriots.
The chemistry between the aforementioned players involved in Manchester United’s first was that of seasoned veterans. Bright sparks that are ready to establish themselves on this kingdom, but Newcastle refused to lay down on the other hand, notably being inches away from an equaliser through Dan Burn. The experienced Casemiro erased those dreams, and on a day where it was announced that all Premier League clubs were to converse about the future of VAR during the summer, Sofyan Amrabat’s challenge on Anthony Gordon may have produced yet another form of evidence regarding its rigid implementations. Safe to say the former Everton winger was not pleased after coming up hobbled, and without a precious penalty kick.
A positive turn of events occurred during the infant stages of the second half, where Gordon would answer the call without doubt, equalising and converting Jacob Murphy’s picture perfect cross towards the back post. Festivities postponed at Old Trafford momentarily.
Possibly more than a moment, with the home side desperate for a jumpstart of sorts, giving away possession that may have led to a more catastrophic result had it not been for dedicated tracking back by Sofyan Amrabat, blocking the effort of a frustrated Alexander Isak in front of goal.
Such anguish would boil over as the excelling Amad rifled Manchester United back into the lead with an example of the accuracy and devastation caused by his left boot. Quite the way to score your very first Premier League goal. Rasmus Højlund looked to conclude this chapter by exiting the bench to break his personal run of three games without a goal. He’ll be hoping that the late December to mid February form can be replicated on a more consistent basis next season given the opportunity.
Lewis Hall pulled on back for The Magpies in added time, but their fate was eventually sealed. Erik ten Hag passionately addressed the Old Trafford faithful in a rather defiant attitude, showing gratitude for their undeniable support, while demanding the same for each of the final two games. Especially his season defining cup final against City rivals.
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