Manchester United's disastrous start to the Premier League season continued as they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday. Matthew Longstaff slotted home the winner on his league debut with just less than 20 minutes remaining, condemning the Red Devils to their third league defeat of the campaign.
Positives
Throughout the first hour or so of the game, United were able to maintain their structure both in midfield and defensively. Their ideas were strong going forward, aside from the execution, and they were often able to kill the pace of the game in their favour with some balanced and methodical movement.
Negatives
They allowed Newcastle to have a great deal of freedom and quite clearly didn't give them enough respect. Man United are completely devoid of an end product up top, and they seemed unable to reach that next gear. From top to bottom, this is the most uninspired United team we've seen in many, many years.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's limited options within his squad were on full display, and while he attempted to put forward an attacking lineup, the players just don't seem to be playing for the badge on the shirt -- or the manager on their touchline. The substitutions were odd, but in many ways his hands were tied.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 6 -- Helped to calm an early storm from Newcastle but was fairly quiet throughout. Arguably could've done better for Newcastle's opener.
DF Diogo Dalot, 6 -- Was given a tough challenge with Allan Saint-Maximin and came through it well. Caused some issues down the right but was substituted in the 60th minute due to injury.
DF Axel Tuanzebe, 6 -- Drifted forward and initiated some pointless challenges. However, the youngster still got up well for loose balls in the air.
DF Harry Maguire, 6 -- Made a big tackle in the 39th minute to keep Miguel Almiron out, but at the other end had a golden opportunity to head United into the lead and knocked it wide.
DF Ashley Young, 5 -- The veteran was dragged out of position far too often and far too easily. Was poor when tracking back and struggled physically with the tempo of the game. Substituted off in the 86th minute.
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MF Fred, 5 -- Picked up an early yellow card through a sloppy tackle that showcased poor judgment. Was reserved and off the pace as a result from that point on.
MF Scott McTominay, 6 -- Good strength in the middle but always came across as being overly eager. Picked up a very risky yellow card that could've been a red, and the Scot's frustrations got the better of him a few times.
MF Andreas Pereira, 6 -- Was starting to find space in the right places but there was very little support to make anything of it. Looked for the right delivery and came close, but it wasn't enough.
MF Juan Mata, 5 -- Was fairly non-existent from start to finish on Tyneside, lacking the kind of creative spark that we've come to expect from the former Chelsea star. Was substituted in the 66th minute.
MF Daniel James, 5 -- The trickster wasn't quite able to inspire his team as many had anticipated, although he did manage to find space well on several occasions. Was poor defensively for the goal.
FW Marcus Rashford, 5 -- Looked lethargic and continued to prove that he is suffering from a massive lack of confidence. Couldn't pull the trigger when required and needs to be rested ASAP.
Substitutions
DF Marcos Rojo, 6 -- Looked uncertain defensively when Newcastle came forward and wasn't considered to be a particularly inspired substitute.
FW Mason Greenwood, 6 -- The teenager's vision was a big plus for the hosts when coming on. Found some nice openings and brought a new urgency to the team.
MF Tahith Chong, N/R -- Was scrappy when coming on but wasn't the right choice to spark a late surge for United.