NUFC player ratings vs Man Utd – Two 8.5’s, one 8, a 7.5, four 7’s and several 6’s

All in all, this was a good point away from home at Old Trafford, featuring plenty of good performances and a Newcastle defence that successfully nullified Man United’s attacking threat.

Here we go with the player ratings:

Nick Pope – 7 – Only called into action on two occasions, which epitomises our solid defensive display. Was rash coming off his line in an attempt to deny Rashford, which easily could have cost us a late goal, however his distribution was decent.

Kieran Trippier – 8.5* – Didn’t put a foot wrong all game. His strong leadership qualities were evident throughout, his quality and calmness in possession shone through and he was typically creative from set pieces, also defending well at the other end. Couldn’t get forward much from open play but did a superb job.

Fabian Schar – 8 – The Swiss international was so strong in the air and made a few vital interceptions just when Man Utd got into good positions. He’s found an impressive level of consistency under Howe and is forming a formidable partnership alongside Sven Botman.

Sven Botman – 8.5 –  I say this every week, but this man is a Rolls-Royce centre-back and is worth every penny spent. It’s easy to forget that our Dutch centre back is only 21, as he plays like a defender who’s been starring at Premier League level for years! Commanding in the air, tough to get past on the ground and ice cool in possession.

Dan Burn – 6 – Struggled to deal with Antony’s pace and directness and was walking a tightrope in the second half after a booking in the opening 45. Did OK considering, but looks uncomfortable when asked to get forward and support attacks. Can’t fault his effort. I can see Targett starting against Wednesday to freshen things up.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5* – A battling performance from Bruno, where he did the dirty work well in that deeper role. Lost the ball on a few occasions before fighting to win back possession, which summaries why he’s a fan favourite. Certainly looked the best Brazilian midfielder on the pitch!

Sean Longstaff – 7 – Made a fantastic block in the second half to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity. Lacks quality in the final third at times and sometimes wants too much time on the ball in dangerous areas, but puts himself about and makes key interceptions when required.

Joelinton – 6 – Missed a big chance in the first half, hitting the post twice in a matter of seconds which could have resulted in all three points. Put himself about as ever and made a few decent driving runs, just seemed a few levels below his best here, losing the ball in bad areas on a couple of occasions.

Miguel Almiron – 7 – Playing full of confidence and chasing down every ball as always, although he didn’t manage to show that sprinkle of quality in front of goal here. Snatched at a chance from the edge of the box from a corner.

Jacob Murphy – 6 – Seemed out of his depth at times. Hooked at 57 minutes after a couple of attacks broke down via his wayward final ball. Plenty of effort and some decent runs into space, but I’m not convinced he is at the same level as the rest of the first team squad. That said, his team spirit and enthusiasm is admirable.

Callum Wilson – 6 – Denied a stone wall penalty within the first 10 minutes after tangling with Varane in the box. Lacked the service he needs, but had a few sloppy touches and dragged a shot just a few minutes into the second half.

SUBS:

Ryan Fraser – 6 – Substituted early in second half for Murphy but also struggled to make any telling impact on the game.

Chris Wood – N/A – Lacks pace in comparison to Wilson. Didn’t see much of the ball as we sat deep and looked to see out the draw, but did win one free kick to relieve some pressure.

Joe Willock – N/A – Had a great chance to put a good ball into the box late on but blazed way over. Missed out from the start today due to illness.

Matt Targett – N/A – Like Burn, he also struggled to cope with Antony’s pace at times.

Jamaal Lascelles – N/A – Replaced Schar in added time.