Talking Points: United 3 Newcastle 1

Sunday 21 February 2021 18:55

Manchester United overcame Newcastle United with a 3-1 victory on Sunday to move back up to second in the Premier League.

The Reds took the lead on the half-hour mark through a brilliant Marcus Rashford strike, before Allan Saint-Maximin equalised to leave the scores level at half-time.

Daniel James was then on hand to restore our advantage 12 minutes into the second period with a close-range strike, and Bruno Fernandes rounded off the win from the penalty spot later in the second period.

Below are the essential discussion points from another successful night at Old Trafford…

Solskjaer: Quick passing was key Video

Solskjaer: Quick passing was key

Ole was full of praise for James, Matic and Shoretire after a pleasing night all-round at Old Trafford...

MAGICAL MARCUS

Finding our opener with a wonderful piece of individual skill, Rashford now has 18 goals for the season in all competitions – just four shy of his best-ever tally in a single campaign. Picking the ball up on the left he nutmegged defender Emil Krafth before cutting inside and unleashing a rocket low into the bottom corner to beat Karl Darlow at the near post. Marcus is also now level with fellow Englishman David Beckham with 85 goals for the Reds.

DYNAMITE DAN

Complimented by Ole for his lively performance in Italy against Real Sociedad, in which he scored and got an assist, the boss rewarded James with another start against Newcastle. The Welsh international repaid the faith as he was both energetic off the ball and effective on it – netting when the ball dropped to him in the penalty area. James has now scored in each of his last three appearances, against Southampton, Sociedad and Newcastle.

MORE NUMBERS FOR BRUNO

With another goal and assist to add to his collection, Bruno has now scored and created a goal in seven matches in the league this season – two more times than any other player. Meanwhile no midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues has more than the 10 assists he’s managed this season. In his 39 Premier League appearances for the club he has been directly involved in a staggering 40 goals (23 goals, 17 assists).

GOALS GETTERS

The Reds have returned to the top of the Premier League scoring list and now sit on 53 for the season. That tally is also the most after 25 games since our title-winning 2012/13 campaign, when we had 60 at this stage. 

MORE MAGPIE MISERY

The Reds have now won five of our last six meetings with Newcastle, including our last three in which we’ve scored a combined 11 goals. Meanwhile, the Magpies' dismal run at Old Trafford continues for another year.

James: It's all about staying ready Video

James: It's all about staying ready

The flying winger has had a great week, and says the manager's trust has given him confidence...

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Newcastle-born Shola Shoretire, who was part of the Reds' squad in midweek, came on for Marcus Rashford to make his senior debut for United against his hometown club. The 17-year-old becomes the second-youngest player to represent the Reds in the Premier League after Angel Gomes. Congratulations, Shola!

LOOKING AHEAD

Thursday sees us back in action at Old Trafford against Real Sociedad in the second leg of our Europa League last-16 tie, which we lead 4-0. We then round off February with our eighth game of the month against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

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