Match Ratings: Man Utd 3 Newcastle 1

MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1):

De Gea 7; Wan-Bissaka 7, Lindelof 6, Maguire 6, Shaw 7; Fred 6, Matic 7; James 8 (Mata 88), Fernandes 7, RASHFORD 8 (Shoretire 88); Martial 5 (Greenwood 69, 5).

Subs (not used): Henderson (gk), Bailly, Diallo, Telles, Williams, Tuanzebe.

NEWCASTLE (4-3-3):

5 Darlow: Made a good save from Martial in the second half, but should have done much better with Rashford’s goal

4 Krafth: Was badly exposed by Rashford in the build-up to the first goal – is he really better than Yedlin?

5 Lascelles: Fared reasonably well against Martial, but was pulled out of position on a number of occasions in the second half

6 Clark: Dominated in the air and was the pick of the Newcastle defence for most of the evening

4 Lewis: Continues to struggle defensively and should have cut out Matic’s pass before James scored Man United’s second goal

5 Hayden: Couldn’t keep tabs on Man United’s midfielders in the second half and never got on the front foot

6 Shelvey: Sprayed a few of his trademark long passes around the field and tried to link up with the Newcastle attack

5 Willock: Started reasonably well, but his performance had dipped before he conceded the penalty by fouling Rashford

6 Joelinton: Tested De Gea with an early shot that was tipped over, but was hobbling most of the night and had to depart at the start of the second half

7 ALMIRON: Caused the Man United defence a succession of problems in the first half – looks well suited to the false nine role

7 Saint-Maximin: Carried a threat for most of the night and claimed his first goal since October with a neat finish

Subs:

5 Fraser (for Joelinton, 55): Drove a low shot at De Gea, but wasn’t really a factor in the final half-hour

Murphy (for Saint-Maximin, 77)

Gayle (for Almiron, 79)

(not used): Dubravka (gk), Dummett, Ritchie, Hendrick, S Longstaff, Carroll.

Man Of The Match: MARCUS RASHFORD – The Manchester United forward scored his side’s opener and won the penalty that settled things.