Harvey Barnes struck twice for Newcastle in a dominant win over Manchester United on Sunday as the Magpies boosted their Champions League hopes with a 4-1 victory.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a first-time finish following a delightful assist from Alexander Isak.
But it didn’t last long as Alejandro Garnacho restored parity 13 minutes later to send the two sides in at the break level.
But it was Newcastle that took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and Barnes was twice on the scoresheet – the second time profiting from an unfortunate slip by Noussair Mazraoui – to send the Magpies towards three huge points.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes then added insult to injury after a howler from Altay Bayindir – replacing Andre Onana – with a simple fourth goal with 14 minutes left to play.
Here, Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT passes judgement on the two teams.
Harvey Barnes was twice on the scoresheet as Newcastle cast Manchester United aside
Sandro Tonali had opened the scoring after a brilliant assist from team-mate Alexander Isak
Alejandro Garnacho had levelled the game in the first half before Newcastle took control
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – 6.5
Made a brilliant reaction save to deny Joshua Zirkzee from making it 1-0 early on but, in truth, he had little to do thereafter.
Kieran Trippier – 6
Took a nasty whack from a challenge by Bruno Fernandes but managed to shake it off to ease any fears of injury. Went about his business fairly quietly on a day that was all about those in front of him – and he won’t mind that.
Fabian Schar – 6
Targeted young Harry Amass on set pieces but didn’t get much joy up against the teenager.
Looked to be in for a busy afternoon in the early moments but those were fleeting and this game soon became nice and straightforward for those in black and white.
Nick Pope made a sharp reaction save to deny Joshua Zirkzee but was untested thereafter
Kieran Trippier had a quiet afternoon with all the attention on those further upfield than him
Dan Burn – 6.5
His size advantage is a nightmare assignment for most teams and Manchester United had no answer here, even when matching him up alongside Joshua Zirkzee. Was a total nuisance at every set piece.
Tino Livramento – 7
Had a very quiet first half but you just knew with his talent it wouldn’t last. Shone bright in the second when he was able to scamper free down the left wing, giving both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui a headache. It was his driving run and cross that led to the second goal.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Goals are always an area of a midfielder’s game where coaches want more and Tonali showed once again he can dominate at both ends of the pitch. His volley here to make it 1-0 was his third goal in his last five games for club and country. Sumptuous strike for a brilliant all-around display.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5
Is always up for the fight and his battle up against Bruno Fernandes was a good one – and one he edged in the end. Capped off the afternoon with one of the easiest goals he’ll be afforded this season.
Tonali’s volley to make it 1-0 was his third goal in his last five games for club and country
Bruno Guimaraes edged the battle with Bruno Fernandes before netting his side’s fourth goal
Joelinton – 6
Got brushed off the ball too easily by Manuel Ugarte in the moment that started Manchester United’s equalising goal. But he didn’t allow that to define the game and it was his awareness and movement that confused Bayindir into making a mistake that saw Joelinton tee up Guimaraes for 4-1.
Jacob Murphy – 7
Drilled a brilliant strike just wide in the early exchanges but is always a willing runner and that paid off in spades when he was unmarked at the back-post to meet Livramento’s cross, teeing up Harvey Barnes for a tap-in. Up to 19 goal contributions and counting this season and with England boss Thomas Tuchel in the stands, he did his case no harm at all here.
Alexander Isak – 7.5
There was so much attention on his goalscoring that it was almost like Manchester United forgot what a good creator he can be, too. His clipped ball over the top was a delightful assist for Tonali. Isak has now provided six assists in the Premier League this season, his joint most in a single league campaign in his career. Some of his touches to spin away from markers are mesmerising.
Harvey Barnes – 8.5
Gave Noussair Mazraoui the runaround and he got his rewards when he was afforded a tap-in to make it 2-1 thanks to some slack Manchester United defending. The onslaught continued as he robbed Mazraoui in possession before finishing with aplomb for 3-1. His relief spoke to the fact these were his first goals at St James’ Park since September 1.
Some of Isak’s touches to spin away from markers are mesmerising in a brilliant performance
Barnes dominated Noussair Mazraoui and netted his first home goals since September 1
MANAGER: Jason Tindall – 7.5
Cut a lively figure on the touchline as he filled in for Eddie Howe, who missed the game after being taken to hospital on Saturday. Deserves credit for lifting his team to another level at half-time after Manchester United found a route back into the contest.
SUBS
Callum Wilson (for Alexander Isak, 78)
Anthony Gordon (for Jacob Murphy, 78)
Emil Krafth (for Kieran Trippier, 78)
Lewis Miley (for Bruno Guimaraes, 85)
Sean Longstaff (for Joelinton, 85)
Jason Tindall deputised fantastically for Eddie Howe and cut a lively figure on the touchline
Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Altay Bayindir – 4.5
Replaced a goalkeeper who made two big mistakes that led to goals in midweek and served up a mistake of his own to gift Bruno Guimaraes and Newcastle United their fourth goal. Had a strong first half but faded and shipped four on his Premier League debut.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
His head was spinning even before his disastrous slip that allowed Barnes to run clear to score at 3-1 but that exposed just why he is no more than a makeshift option as a centre back. Never looked comfortable from the moment this one got going.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Came in to replace Harry Maguire at the middle of the back three and this was a mixed display. While there were moments of promise this was largely frustrating.
Was not tight enough to his Swedish compatriot Isak in the move for the first goal while he found himself marking nobody when Barnes tapped in unmarked in the six-yard box for the second. Too easy to run past for the third.
Altay Bayindir handed Newcastle their fourth on a silver platter after a poor pass out the back
Noussair Mazraoui never looked comfortable at St James’ Park, from the first whistle to the last
Leny Yoro – 5
Yoro started brighter than Lindelof but this was a display below the level he knows he can play at. Lost sight of Tonali, who got the run on him to make it 1-0, and had no idea where Barnes was for the second. Was run past with ease for the third. The 19-year-old did show his leadership skills when he stood up for Harry Amass in his duel with Schar. Booked.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Has quietly been improving week on week. Brilliant driving run on the counter set United free when under the cosh and he had the composure to put it into the path of Alejandro Garnacho to score at 1-1. Only Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo have more Premier League assists for United than the Portuguese this season.
Manuel Ugarte – 5.5
A lot of his mistakes get amplified more than his better moments but he deserves credit for robbing Joelinton of possession to spark the counter-attack for the equaliser at 1-1. There were really bright moments but those were overshadowed. Needs to find a way to offer better protection to a vulnerable defence. Booked.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Made just three passes into the final third in the first 45 minutes which was in tune with Eriksen’s style to keep things simple. Cannot impact games like he could in his younger days but keeps things ticking over.
Only Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo have provided more league assists than Diogo Dalot
Christian Eriksen made just three passes into the final third in the first 45 minutes on Sunday
Harry Amass – 6
The 18-year-old found himself in the deep end for his first Premier League start but he stood tall up against Murphy and Trippier. This was a robust display that vindicated his decision to stay and fight for his place, rather than leave on loan, in January. A star for the future.
Bruno Fernandes – 5.5
The jewel in Manchester United’s crown – but even he couldn’t mask the defensive errors those behind him made en masse in the second half. Almost produced a stunning assist for Joshua Zirkzee with a one-two move early on but his influence waned as this game slipped away.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Struck with deadly precision to equalise against the run of play, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season. Always offers United a threat on the counter attack but his early substitution was a message that competition for places is fierce now Mason Mount is back fit.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Would rather play as one of the No 10s but made sure he put his body about leading the line as United’s No 9, with Rasmus Hojlund dropped to the bench. Crying shame that his afternoon was cut short just seven minutes into the second half when he pulled his hamstring.
Harry Amass put in a robust display that vindicated his decision to stay and fight for his place
Garnacho took his tally to 10 for the season, striking with accuracy against the run of the game
Ruben Amorim’s side collapsed in the second half which undid some good work before the break
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 4.5
His side collapsed in the second half which undid a lot of the good work they’ve done in the league of late, particularly away. Knew that his season hinges on Europe which was why he rested the likes of Harry Maguire… but this was another underlining of the gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s top four.
SUBS
Rasmus Hojlund (for Joshua Zirkzee, 55) – 5
Patrick Dorgu (for Harry Amass, 55) – 5
Mason Mount (for Alejandro Garnacho, 55) – 6
Luke Shaw (for Noussair Mazraoui, 79)
Kobbie Mainoo (for Bruno Fernandes, 82)
