Player Ratings: United v Newcastle – Smalling & Blind Colossal Again

Romero – Confident when collecting and did the basics well. Very little to do. 6

Darmian – Solid defensively but will be disappointed with his crossing after getting himself into good positions. 6

Smalling – Colossal performance yet again from the Englishman. Nothing passed him and was unlucky at the other end too after hitting the post. 8

Blind – Forming an impressive partnership in defence to prove his doubters wrong. Passed the ball well and offered a lot besides just defending. 7

Shaw – One of United’s biggest attacking threats. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game and even had a pop on goal himself. 8

Schweinsteiger – Passed the ball forward when possible but he saw little of it. Would have liked to have seen more of him. Subbed. 6

Schneiderlin – Made numerous interceptions and broke down play but was far too cautious with his passing, which slowed the tempo down. 6

Mata – United’s only creative spark all game. Frequently popped up on the right and sprayed the ball across the Newcastle half. 8

Januzaj – Ran at players and held his ground in the physical tussles. Offered flare but tired in the second half and was substituted. 6

Memphis – Complete contrast to his midweek heroics. An abysmal performances where he couldn’t do anything right. Shocked to see him last the full 90 minutes. 3

Rooney – Ten games in a row without a goal and yet the biggest concern has to be his level of performance. Currently offers the team zilch. 3

Subs:

Carrick – His forward passing was a welcomed addition. 7

Hernandez – Interchanged passes well and offered good movement. Disappointed not to score. 7

Valencia – Brought on to exploit the right wing but failed. 5