Man. United 0 – 0 Newcastle Match Report

Marcus Rashford and Fred missed two Manchester United scoring chances as Newcastle were held to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Fred missed an empty-net goal in the 88th minute after Rashford rounded Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to put the Brazilian midfielder in a striking position, but he could not get his shot past the post after being pressured by Fabian Charr.

Rashford, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese striker conceded two second-half goals, headed over from Casemiro’s cross down the middle in the 95th minute.

The hosts only had two shots on target despite 62% possession but will be frustrated that Jaden Sancho missed a penalty after Sean Longstaff brought him down in the penalty area in the second half.

Despite Joelinton hitting the woodwork twice in succession in the first half, the Reds were more threatening in the second period, with substitute Marcus Rashford scoring a superb strike in the last attack of a frustrating game.

Despite the home side having 62% of the ball and only two shots on goal, they will be disappointed that a penalty was not awarded to Jaden Sancho after he was brought down by Sean Longstaff in the penalty area in the second half.

Despite Joelinton hitting the crossbar twice in succession in the first half, the Reds were more dangerous in the second, with substitute Marcus Rashford having a great opportunity to score in the last attack of the game.

Despite a promising start, which included Fred’s shot just wide of the target, the game turned into an awkward stop-start with no real development. “Newcastle had the better start to the half and were unlucky not to score in the 24th minute. When the visitors were allowed to take a free kick from a dangerous position, Callum Wilson challenged in vain for a foul on Raphael Varane, who was advancing towards the goal.

Kieran Trippier’s shot hit the crossbar, but the Magpies captain took off and crossed the ball to Joelinton, whose header hit the crossbar. Joelinton only had to nod towards the keeper’s right-hand post when De Gea was fouled and Diogo Dalot gratefully turned the ball over for a corner. Earlier in the game, De Gea had a shot saved by Dan Byrne and Wilson sent the corner out of reach for Bruno Guimaraes. United also had chances, but Sancho shot wide and also caught up with Anthony after a good run, but Nick Pope saved the Brazilian from an acute angle.

From the resulting corner, Miguel Almiron only had to head the ball into Stretford’s goal, and there was little going on in front of goal until Rashford, who came on for Ronaldo, broke away from Pope to equalise. Unfortunately, even with the full strength Fred could not realize his chance and the gate remained unclosed. Rashford had the best chance to snatch the victory in the fifth and final minute of extra time, but he deflected Casemiro’s accurate shot past the goal.

Despite a bright first few minutes, when Fred fired just wide of the target, the game turned into a protracted struggle with no real development. “Newcastle had the better start to the half but unfortunately failed to score in the 24th minute. Callum Wilson had already appealed in vain for a foul on Rafael Varane, who was advancing towards the goal, when the visitors were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position.

Kieran Trippier’s shot hit the wall but the Magpies captain headed the ball back to Joelinton who headed it onto the crossbar. With De Hea in a difficult position, Joelinton had only to nod towards the keeper’s right post and Diogo Dalot gratefully turned the ball into the corner.

Before that, De Hea, appearing for the 500th time, parried a Dan Burn shot and Wilson turned the ball into a corner that was beyond the reach of Bruno Guimaraes. United also had chances but Sancho shot wide and also put Anthony in front of goal but Nick Pope saved the Brazilian’s shot from an acute angle.

The first period ended with several stoppages for Newcastle players to get medical attention, and coach Eddie Howe’s plan worked as his team had no problems defending. Cristiano Ronaldo scored, but the assistant referee’s flag and TV replays confirmed he was offside. After sensing a free kick had been awarded, Ronaldo found the net again, stealing the ball as Nick Pope was setting up, but only received a yellow card.

Seconds after the restart, when De Hea cleared the ball after a shot towards goal, Fred was under real pressure so it was a relief when Wilson fired past goal from a comfortable position.

There was controversy in the 58th minute when Sancho looked to have tripped Longstaff in the penalty area, but the VAR system upheld referee Pawson’s decision not to award a penalty. Shortly after, Casemiro also went down in the penalty area but appeals were turned down as United looked to break down the Magpies.

Miguel Almiron could only fire over the Stretford End goal from a corner and had very few chances on goal until substitute Ronaldo Rashford broke past Pope to equalise. Unfortunately, Fred, who stretched himself with all his might, failed to convert his chance when the goal was empty. In the fifth and final minute of extra time, Rashford had the best opportunity to score but he deflected Casemiro’s accurate shot wide of the target.

Despite 62% ball possession and only two shots on target, the home side will be disappointed that Jaden Sancho did not get a penalty after Sean Longstaff brought him down in the penalty area in the second half.

The goalless draw left United in fifth place, three points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea, while Newcastle remained one point further back in sixth place after extending their run without defeat to five games.

Man. United: 

Substitutes not used: Heaton, Lindelof, Malacia, Iqbal, Mainoo, Pellistri, Elanga, Garnacho

Substitutes not used: Karius, Lewis, Anderson, Shelvey

Match Stats:

Possession

Total Shots

Shots on Target

Corners

Fouls

Attacks

Dangerous Attacks

Player of the Match: Kieran Tripper (Newcastle)