United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United is currently safe from relegation but is also nowhere near the top four, leaving their league matches somewhat insignificant at this stage. In contrast, Newcastle United is in a battle for a top-five finish, which would secure them a spot in next season’s Champions League.

The result of the match between the two teams on Sunday reflected the current state of each club, as Newcastle dominated the second half and secured a comfortable victory.

Match Flow

Manchester United created a good early chance in the 11th minute as Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee linked up. The two attackers played brilliant one-touch football, but Zirkzee’s effort was too close to Nick Pope, who pushed the ball over the crossbar for a corner.

Newcastle United broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute as their pressure paid off. Manchester United’s passing in the back broke down and the Reds turned it over in their half. A quick move from the hosts got Sandro Tonali behind Leny Yoro, and the midfielder smashed his volley past Altay Bayindir.

Ten minutes later, Bayindir had his first big moment on his Premier League debut. The Turkish goalkeeper pushed away an initial cross, which fell to Alexander Isak. The Swede smashed the ball back at the net first time, but Bayindir was up quick and made a great save.

Just minutes after Bayindir’s heroics, Manchester United leveled against the run of play. Diogo Dalot drove deep into the Newcastle half and laid the ball off to Alejandro Garnacho, whose side-footed shot beat Pope and went in off the post.

Three minutes into the second half, Newcastle United retook the lead. Tino Livramento beat Diogo Dalot down the line and played a cross to Jacob Murphy, who found Harvey Barnes cutting in for a tap-in and a 2-1 lead.

A hamstring injury to Joshua Zirkzee forced Rasmus Hojlund on in the 54th minute and puts the Dutch striker’s availability in doubt for Thursday’s second leg against Lyon.

A slip from Noussair Mazraoui presented the ball to Harvey Barnes in the 63rd minute, who drove through the United defense and found the top-right corner with a perfect finish for his second of the match.

Altay Bayindir, who stepped in for Andre Onana after a poor performance against Lyon, gave the ball away on a simple pass and immediately conceded to Bruno Guimares in the 77th minute to give the hosts a 4-1 lead.

At the end of the day, the result does not hurt United’s league position, but Newcastle United were deserved winners.

Talking Point

Manchester United has little to play for in the Premier League, so the result does not matter. However, the mistakes in defense and possession were rampant, and they are worrying with the season on the line at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Ruben Amorim’s biggest decision will come in goal. After replacing Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir made a mistake that led to a goal for Newcastle and conceded four times overall.

Next Match

Lyon comes to Old Trafford for the Europa League Quarter-Final second leg on Thursday. Manchester United must progress if there is any chance of playing in Europe next season.