Alan Shearer has criticised Freddie Woodman for his role in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Man Utd, believing the goalkeeper had a “poor game” at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice on his eagerly awaited return to England, however the NUFC stopper was at fault for his first – parrying the ball straight to the Portuguese superstar – and could’ve done better with his second.
That said, Shearer believes there were ‘plenty positives to take’ for Steve Bruce, feeling we ‘offered a lot’ on the counter-attack and could’ve scored a few more had our decision making been better in the final third.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live, here’s what he had to say:
“Freddie Woodman had a poor game.
“But Ronaldo punished Newcastle.
“I thought Newcastle offered a lot on the counter-attack; there were two or three times where a better final pass gives them a better situation.
“Man Utd had better forwards on the pitch and that’ll be the difference for them this season.
“Ronaldo keeps on going and going; there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.”
It’s difficult to take positives when we are now without a win all season, have concede 12 goals in four games and suffered yet another late collapse, however I do feel there were a few players who put in much improved performances.
Miguel Almiron was brilliant at both ends, Saint-Maximin was a menace on the counter, Sean Longstaff looked a little more like his old self and Javier Manquillo caught the eye after replacing Jacob Murphy at right wing-back.
Our defence looked more dogged and disciplined for large parts, yet the fact we still went on to concede four goals is a real concern, making us the leakiest team in the Premier League heading into Friday’s clash with Leeds.
As for Woodman, his place in the side will be under threat, with Karl Darlow now fit again after returning to the bench over the weekend.
