Two 8/10s and one woeful 3 - Newcastle player ratings and comments vs Man Utd

A body blow for our European hopes at Old Trafford. Chelsea winning means 6th and guaranteed European football is now out of our own hands. We need to match Manchester United’s result on the final day to finish in the top seven, but even that isn’t enough to guarantee trips to the continent. We then need Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. Below, we rate the performances of each player during a chastening night at Old Trafford.

Martin Dubravka 3 – Eddie Howe will have some regrets from Wednesday night. One of them will be sticking with Martin Dubravka. He has regularly cost us goals during his run in the team and he could arguably have done better for their second and third goals last night. Nick Pope needs to start on Sunday.

Kieran Trippier 4 – There is some ring rust, which is understandable and the positioning for Manchester United’s opener was poor. The right back added some calm in the build-up, but it wasn’t a night to remember for him. Emil Krafth was more impactful when he was at right-back.

Emil Krafth 5.5 – Although he isn’t a centre back, there is no doubting his commitment to the team. He improved a lot and offered an outlet when he moved to right back. A lot of dangerous moments came through outballs to him, while he nearly grabbed an assist for Joelinton, who had a header well saved.

Dan Burn 6 – Solid. That has explained Dan Burn as a centre back since his move there. He was good there again tonight and offered a big threat in the other box, as he regularly won the first ball from attacking set pieces. Came a whisker away from scoring in the first half, but was denied by a great Casemiro clearance.

Lewis Hall 8 – There is a case to be made that Lewis Hall was our standout player last night. His goal aside, which was a screamer, he was regularly taking the right decisions with the ball. It is clear that he is getting better all the time. We will have an excellent full back next season.

Bruno Guimaraes 6 – It wasn’t his best night, as he didn’t impact the game as much as he usually does. As the game wore on, he looked out on his feet, which isn’t surprising.

Sean Longstaff 5 – An okay performance. He led to a promising attack breaking down in the first half, but he offered a threat. Longstaff had two big chances in the second half, but his finishing was poor.

Elliot Anderson 5 – There was great endeavor there from Anderson, but it is another decision Eddie Howe will likely have regretted. Joelinton was much more impactful when he came on.

Jacob Murphy 6 – The assist for Anthony Gordon was very good, but like the rest of the attack, his decision making aside from that wasn’t great.

Alexander Isak 4 – A night to forget for Alexander Isak. His illness was clearly impacting him, as he wasn’t the same player we have seen prior to the Brighton game. The three on one breakaway that resulted in Amrabat blocking his shot will give him nightmares. His composure wasn’t there and a huge chance to take the lead was wasted. That was the turning point in the game.

Anthony Gordon 8 – Alongside Hall, he was our best player. He is one of the most consistent performers in the league and took his goal well. Gordon was unlucky not to get a penalty, while he did superbly to almost get an assist for Almiron, which would have seen the scores level again.

SUBS:

Joelinton 6.5 – Joelinton looked good when he came on. He had two shots on target and caused issues, while his physicality was almost back to his best. He needs to start on Sunday.

Fabian Schar 6 – It was good to see him back and the build up was better with him on the pitch.

Miguel Almiron 5 – Another nothing cameo from him. He was inches away from getting an equaliser, but aside from that, he offered little.

Harvey Barnes – N/A