United Beyond Manchester

Old Trafford finally saw another win today as Manchester United grabbed a 3-2 home victory. Amad Diallo starred, and Bruno Fernandes made his importance very evident as the Reds got back to winning ways. We detail the match and player ratings below.

First Half

The start from Manchester United was positive. The United press forced turnovers, and the Reds had more possession and more shots on target. It was obvious from kickoff that having Bruno Fernandes back added an edge to the United attack.

The first good chance for United came in the 26th minute to Alejandro Garnacho. Bruno Fernandes played a beautiful, clipped ball over the top to Garnacho, who saw his effort saved.

The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute from a composed Kobbie Mainoo finish. The ball miraculously fell to Mainoo’s feet, where he was unmarked in the box, and he calmly slotted the ball into the corner. It was a deserved lead for the Reds and another brilliant moment for the young star.

Newcastle nearly had a quick leveler, but Casemiro made an unbelievable goal-line clearance to keep the visitors out.

Despite a few more chances for both sides, Manchester United entered the break still up 1-0.

Second Half

Manchester United came out for the second half slow and poor. Within three minutes of the half starting back, Anthony Gordon made it 1-1.

Sofyan Amrabat saved Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the United defense from embarrassment in the 52nd minute when he made a crucial block after a Wan-Bissaka giveaway.

Why hasn’t he been starting? In the 57th minute, Amad Diallo fired the Reds into the lead with a rocket off a corner. The young Ivorian caught the ball so well, and Martin Dubravka could do nothing about it.

Andre Onana stood tall on several occasions after Amad’s goal, as he saved a one-on-one and flicked a Joelinton header over the bar.

Rasmus Hojlund came on the pitch in the 82nd minute and scored with his first couple of touches. The young striker took a few touches around the defense and hit the ball well into the far corner to give United an important two-goal advantage.

Lewis Hall produced a moment of class for Newcastle with an exceptional hit in second-half stoppage time to bring the away side within one. Thankfully, the Reds were able to keep hold of the ball for much of the rest of the match and held on for a much-needed win.

Man of the Match

Amad Diallo has not been given many chances, but he took his tonight. Amad created a goal and fired in another for his two goal contributions today. The winger was lively and connected play well from the outside. He will surely be hoping to crack the starting eleven for the FA Cup Final, and today’s performance will go a long way to getting him there.

Player Ratings

Starting XI
Andre Onana: 5 – Not good, not bad from the Cameroonian.
Diogo Dalot: 7 – Defended well and supported the attack well. He is a top outside back.
Jonny Evans: 6 – Continues to give everything in the back amid the injury crisis
Casemiro: 7 – While he had a couple of shaky moments, he repeatedly stood up, and made the necessary tackle, and had a goal-line clearance.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6 – A somewhat quiet night for the outside back is never a bad thing.
Kobbie Mainoo: 8 – Another top performance from the young midfielder. Calmly finished his opportunity.
Scott McTominay: 6 – Was decent in his more advanced role
Sofyan Amrabat: 7 – A second straight quality showing from Amrabat in the midfield.
Bruno Fernandes: 8 – He makes all the difference for Manchester United’s attack. Well played and showed his importance to the team.
Amad Diallo: 9 – A brilliant goal and a nice assist for Amad will make everyone ask why he has barely been given a chance.
Alejandro Garnacho: 6 – Decent, but still unable to find a final product right now.

Substitutions
Marcus Rashford: Good to see him back for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
Rasmus Hojlund: Came on and got on the scoresheet immediately. A well-timed confidence boost ahead of the final two matches.
Lisandro Martinez: Welcome back, Butcher.
Christian Eriksen: Too late to rate

Looking Ahead

Manchester United visit Brighton ahead of the FA Cup Final at Wembley. A win Sunday, paired with a Newcastle loss, can see Manchester United qualify for Europe through the league.

Drop your thoughts on today’s match in the comments!