A slow and heavy Manchester United drew goalless at Old Trafford against a resilient Newcastle United on Sunday.
Both teams had chances to win the game with Joelinton getting closer to the visitors in the first half with two of their headers hitting the post.
stumble united
For United, both chances to win the match came late in the game with substitute Marcus Rashford creating the first for Fred who was unable to bring the ball home with an empty net in front of him.
All when they saw Rashford pass Pope only for Fred to miss. pic.twitter.com/jyGCYNbzWu
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 16, 2022
The Mancunian was then guilty of missing the most brilliant opportunity in the closing seconds of the game, as he was unable to direct his free header into goal with Nick Pope nailed instead.
The point means United remain fifth in the table, one point above their opponents.
Erik ten Hag’s team selection was indicative of the fact that United face two members of the top 4: Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the space of a couple of days.
The Dutch coach decided to use Fred instead of Christian Eriksen and the Brazilian showed why he lost his place in the team. His passing was erratic as usual and he was slow on the ball on numerous occasions.
Fred is not the answer
Ten Hag had admitted the Brazilian is excellent when it comes to pressing, but with the Magpies sitting deep as the match went on, United needed someone who could break the lines with his passes.
The depth of United’s squad was laid bare as the only genuine midfield options at the Dutchman’s disposal were academy graduates Zidane Iqbal and Kobbie Mainoo.
Scott McTominay’s injury and Eriksen’s illness forced the Red Devils to get by without substitutions throughout the match.
Eriksen’s pass would have been the perfect antidote to break Newcastle’s stubborn defence, but sadly United have to be happy with their first draw of the season.
Rashford could still have made it worthwhile, but the result was a clear indication that the club still needs to strengthen the team in crucial areas, as injury or suspension can create so many problems.
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