Vibrant United produce impressive display to beat Newcastle

Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League yesterday, producing an impressive performance to see off a surprisingly lackluster Newcastle United side 3-0. The Magpies have been impressive at home, losing only once previously this year, but goals coming from two unlikely sources in Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra, alongside a stunning strike from Tom Cleverley were more than enough to see United win the match. The win ensured the Reds went second in the league table, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference, yet behind table-toppers Chelsea.

Sir Alex handed David De Gea a return to Premier League football after his good display in the Champions League against Cluj in midweek. Other changes from previous league games included only a second league start of the season for Wayne Rooney, who played in a deep role behind the strikers Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie. There was also a return to the side for Cleverley, as United setup in the diamond formation that worked so well in Cluj. Unlike previous weeks, it was United who came quickly out of the blocks – with an early chance for Welbeck after a clever back heel from Evans.

A few minutes later, Carrick’s long pass was met by Van Persie, who was able to force a first corner kick of the match. United haven’t been effective with set-pieces for a number of seasons, yet they scored from their first one of the match inside eight minutes, when Van Persie’s brilliant in-swinging corner kick was thumped home by Evans for only his second Manchester United goal. The goal was coming, and it has to be said that it was thoroughly deserved. Another chance followed for Welbeck when he won possession from Harper but couldn’t convert when the empty goal was gaping.

Referee Howard Webb was card-happy through the entire game but somehow failed to book Tiote for a stamp on Cleverley just moments before Cleverley earned another foul just outside the box. Rooney’s subsequent freekick was comfortably saved by Harper and pushed for another corner. Rooney took the corner kick this time and United scored again through captain Patrice Evra. With the likes of Rooney, Van Persie, Ba and Cisse on the pitch, it was somewhat enjoyable seeing two defenders score – but I’m not sure Newcastle fans would say the same.

Rooney played a lot deeper than he usual does, and similarly to the match against Cluj he was useful both defensively and going forward. Ferdinand, Evans, Rafael and Evra were all rock solid throughout, barring a few nervy moments early in second half. It was a much improved defensive display, something that was of the utmost necessity. Understandably, Newcastle began the second half with much more urgency but United still had a fair bit of control on the game. United got a bit lucky when Cisse’s header was saved brilliantly off the line by De Gea. Contrary to some reports, the whole of the ball did not cross the line and the correct decision was made in the end by linesman Darren Cann.

With Newcastle tiring, United went in search for that killer goal. It wasn’t long before it arrived when Cleverley smacked a beautiful curling strike from the left flank after seeing Harper off his line. The debates over whether or not it was a shot or a cross are still on, and Cleverley somewhat cheekily claimed he meant it. The outcome was the crucial thing and it’s a definite contender for goal of the month – deliberate or not. United comfortably held on for the remaining 20 minutes to get a crucial and encouraging victory. The worries following our defeat to Tottenham have been quickly calmed, and leading into what will hopefully be an injury-free international break, things are looking a bit better.

Match Ratings: De Gea 7.5, Rafael 7, Evans 8, Ferdinand 7.5, Evra 7.5, Carrick 7, Cleverley 8, Kagawa 6, Rooney 9, Welbeck 6, Van Persie 6.5