Manchester United vs. Newcastle: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League
Manchester United made the ideal start to the busy festive season with a comfortable 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Newcastle were in the contest for the first 20 minutes, and looked dangerous in the process. But from the moment Wayne Rooney opened the scoring, the momentum completely shifted.
Rooney added a second before the interval and then crafted a third for Robin van Persie as Louis van Gaal, who gave his players the day off on Christmas Day, saw his side secure another three-point haul.
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Newcastle grabbed a late consolation courtesy of a penalty from Papiss Cisse, but the Magpies were well beaten.
The first sign of Newcastle as an attacking force came on eight minutes, as Ayoze Perez had the Manchester United defence backpeddling with a superb jinking run. The Spaniard went for one trick too many on the edge of the box, when a pass to Yoan Gouffran was the better option, and the Red Devils were able to smuggle the ball to safety.
Newcastle kept probing and Perez passed up a huge chance on 13 minutes. Adam Armstrong won the ball off Jonny Evans near the byline and pulled the ball back for Perez. The forward went for an acrobatic volley when he actually had time to control, and totally miscued his effort.
Referee Mike Jones was in the spotlight on 15 minutes, as he waved away Newcastle’s appeals for a penalty. Replays suggested Juan Mata had clipped Gouffran’s heels in the box.
The first opening for Manchester United fell to Robin van Persie, who beat the offside trap but was just unable to direct his shot on target.
It was a warning sign for Newcastle with regard to the Red Devils’ pace on the break.
On 23 minutes, the Red Devils broke forward at pace and to devastating effect from deep in their own half. Rooney began the move and continued his run. He was rewarded for his endeavor, as he was on hand to sweep the ball home after Radamel Falcao had stretched to direct a cross from Mata into his path.
"That may be the best goal I have seen all season. Great vision from three United attackers.
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) December 26, 2014"
Rooney doubled his and his team’s tally in the 36th minute, as Fabricio Coloccini inexplicably went AWOL. The Argentina defender won possession deep in his own half, and promptly headed up the left wing.
Newcastle lost possession and, with Coloccini out of position, Mata slipped the ball into the middle for Rooney, who coolly slotted the ball beyond an exposed Jak Alnwick.
"Can someone explain to me why Coloccini is at LM when that goal goes in!?? Shocking.
— Scott Pocklington (@Scott_Pock) December 26, 2014"
Any thoughts of a Newcastle revival were snuffed out on 53 minutes, as Van Persie got himself on the scoresheet.
Taking up a fine position between Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat and Steven Taylor, Van Persie met a lovely dinked pass from Rooney to head home.
"Robin van Persie has now scored 76 league goals over the last 4 seasons, more than any other Premier League player. pic.twitter.com/EbaXuTtahj
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2014"
David de Gea has been a pivital figure for Manchester United this term. He was not as busy as in recent weeks, but he did make a good low save at his near post to thwart the lively Perez.
De Gea was only beaten in the dying minutes of the match from the penalty spot. Substitute Cisse slotted home the penalty after Phil Jones blotted his copybook by fouling Jack Colback in the box.
There is no respite for the players, and Manchester United will face an examination of their credentials when they travel to Tottenham on Sunday. If Van Gaal’s men can take three points in London, they will solidify their third-place status in the Premier League table and look well placed to secure a return to the Champions League.
For Newcastle, this is their fourth defeat on the spin in all competitions and Alan Pardew’s men will look to snap that run at home to Everton on Sunday.
Notable Player Grades
Wayne Rooney: A
The England captain loves scoring goals against Newcastle. Midfield or attack, Rooney looks right at home at the moment and he was different class on the day.
Radamel Falcao: B
The Colombian is heading towards full fitness, and if he can remain injury-free, the Red Devils will see the benefit in the second half of the season.
Phil Jones: B
A good, strong display from Jones. Newcastle had pace in attack, but Jones was up to the task. He lost a mark for hanging his leg out in the box and conceding a late penalty.
He might not command major headlines, but he is vital to the side. The midfielder does the no-frills work in the middle of the park, and does it as well as anyone.
Fabricio Coloccini: D
Coloccini is in the team to defend. When he does his job properly, he is one of the best in the Premier League. But he too often goes wandering and that was in evidence at Old Trafford.
Post-match Reaction
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Rooney was delighted to kick off the festive season with a win.
"We are happy to win the game. It is a busy period for us, it was a good performance and a good win.
We were disappointed to concede the goal, but overall it’s a good three points.
"
