NUFC player ratings vs Man Utd - One 10, a few 9s, several 8s, the odd 7 and 6

A memorable night at Old Trafford as a much-changed Newcastle blew Man Utd away in a 3-0 win. Fantastic performances all around from the team, who were absolutely outstanding and had home fans leaving by the 70th minute as our 7,000-strong away end sang their hearts out. Here come the ratings…

Martin Dubravka – 7 – Barely had a save to make, but his distribution was good all night, when asked to go short or long. Made two saves from long-range and looked solid on his first start of the season.

Tino Livramento – 10* – Looks an absolute superstar and scary to think that he is still gaining match sharpness after 12 months out. His assist for our first goal was unbelievable, following a perfectly timed tackle with a 60-yard run and brilliant pass through to Miggy, who finished it off. Didn’t give Manchester United a sniff the whole game, stopped crosses, won his fuels and posed a real threat on the break. Looked super sharp, quick and technically brilliant with a bit of flare. One assist, a few key clearances and nine duels won – unreal.

Emil Krafth – 9 – Incredible performance under the circumstances, as the right-back started at centre-back in his first game back after 15 months out with an ACL injury. Showed real commitment and professionalism, with the Swede reading the game brilliantly all night. Three clearances, three blocked shots and four duels won. What a night for him!

Paul Dummett – 8 – Another brilliant defensive display following his heroic performance against Manchester City. Stayed switched on and did all the basics well to help us to another clean sheet in the cup. So happy for the Geordie, who always gives his all for the club whenever he gets a chance. Showed brilliant commitment and defensive ability with five clearances and five duels won.

Matt Targett – N/A – Bitter blow coming off with a hamstring injury just two minutes in. Hopefully isn’t too bad, but doesn’t look great for him.

Lewis Hall – 9 – Responded brilliantly to his poor showing against Manchester City with a superb performance here. Linked up brilliantly with Gordon, Miggy and Willock in the left channel, causing all sorts of problems with some lovely passes down the line. Adapted brilliantly considering he was meant to be starting the game in midfield, barely giving Antony a kick before taking his goal beautifully to make it 2-0 with a brilliant left footed finish.

Sean Longstaff – 8 – Captained the side in Trippier and Lascelles’ absence. Lead the side brilliantly, linked the play together fantastically well and broke up Manchester United attacks. A really good performance following a few below par displays against Dortmund and Wolves.

Joe Willock – 9 – Took his goal beautifully, with a lovely low finish into the corner from the edge of the box. They couldn’t handle his pace, link-up play and driving runs, showing clear signs that his match fitness is coming back as he caused havoc down our left in the first half in particular. Taken off just after the hour, with this his first start since May.

Joelinton – 9 – Absolute beast of a performance in midfield. Seemed to cover every blade of grass and looked a real threat in transition. Won the ball brilliantly for Willock’s goal, stealing the ball from the Manchester United midfield. Made four tackles, two key passes and won six duels. Animal.

Matt Ritchie – 7 – Really professional performance from the Scot, coming in from the cold for his first start of the season. Knitted the play together well and seemed to pick up some lovely positions in the midfield. Used the ball well and picked the right pass nine times out of 10. A few wayward efforts but put in a real shift down our right.

Anthony Gordon – 8 – Lead the line very well, playing in a false nine role as he did for England U21s at the Euros. His movement in behind was superb and caused huge problems, with his run creating space for Miggy’s opener and his hassling helping the ball fall to Hall for our second. Another impressive performance and demonstrated why Howe has so much faith in him. Never gave the ball away and was causing Maguire and Lindelof nightmares, whether he went in behind, came short or ran the channels.

Substitutes:

Miguel Almiron – 8 – Brought on as an emergency sub following Targett’s hamstring in the first two minutes. He was absolutely excellent on the left hand side (somewhere I’d like to see him play more). He took his goal brilliantly with a penetrating run in behind, picked out beautifully by Tino. So much energy and quality to go with it in key moments.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – Played the last 15 minutes just to steady the ship. Looked solid after a sloppy display on Saturday.

Callum Wilson – 6 – Came on for the tired Gordon who needed a rest before Saturday. Ran the channels but didn’t get many touches.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7 – Some classy touches when he came on the pitch. Will be desperate to make a huge difference on Saturday against Arsenal. Was toying with the Manchester United players near the end.

Dan Burn – 6 – Played 15 minutes and kept us solid to see us home.