If I could wish Manchester United dropped points in the league this season it would only be against Newcastle. This is because they are currently close to the relegation zone and most importantly they are the 3rd best team in the world (bite me). During the Alex Ferguson era Newcastle was not a team to be feared, as far I as I know to be honest. I witnessed a loss to Newcastle live just 3 times under Ferguson in over 28 games. Fergie really spoilt United fans.
I never shy away from expressing my fears whenever Man Utd want to play a relegation threatened side. On paper we are better than Newcastle to be honest but we were also better than Huddersfield Town in October, 2017 when we got beat. A loss to Newcastle was not going to reduce or increase our chances of winning the league this season, we LOST that chance when we lost to Manchester City in the Mancunian derby in December, 2017.
Before kick-off I was expecting at least a draw and even though there were no goals in the first half I was still of the opinion that Man Utd was not going to lose. I thought wrong, Newcastle scored in the 65th minute through Matt Ritchie.
Ritchie and Ashley have been having a go at each other and at some point if I did not see both players fighting for the ball I get bored. United came close to equalizing but almost definitely does not count. Newcastle run away with the 3 points which was their first home win since October 2017. Jose Mourinho’s struggles at Saint James’ Park continues. United were too lax and did not give much in the game especially the build up to the goal. Not to take anything away from a spirited performance and a well deserved victory for Newcastle.
Man of the match for me has to be the Newcastle’s goalkeeper Martin Dubranka but some might argue it was Jonjo Shelvey or goalscorer Matt Ritchie.
The big question is has the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez affected the balance of the Manchester United team? Is it that Mourinho does not understand where the Chilean fits in tactically? Personally I have a problem with the way Paul Pogba is being used, but that is story for another day.
We face Huddersfield Town next in a FA Cup fifth round tie. I am tempted to say United are through to the quarter finals.
Thanks for your time guys and do have a fab week.
Twitter @dipoogun/theswizzmemoirs
