Manchester United 4-1 Newcastle United: 7 Things We Learned

Manchester United continue their impressive start to the campaign as they registered a 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring and the goal-scoring account of his second spell at United right before half-time before giving his side the lead again in the second-half following a Newcastle equaliser. Bruno Fernandes then scored the third goal and Jesse Lingard topped off the win with one more goal during injury time.

Let’s take a look at what we can learn from the home side’s latest victory.

1. Ideal Start for United’s Iconic No. 7

Despite having been labeled as cursed during recent years, Ronaldo’s second spell with the United No. 7 shirt has kicked off in an impressive fashion. The veteran showed no signs of needing to adapt to English football and essentially won the game for his side by putting them in the lead twice.

Now it remains to be seen who has to accept the bench when Marcus Rashford becomes fit as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job of picking the starting XI just became harder than it already was.

 

2. Not a Good Day for Another Legend

While the Portuguese international enjoyed his return to Old Trafford thoroughly, another United legend suffered a bad day as Steve Bruce’s side continue to disappoint. The Magpies stand 19th on the league table with just a lone point to their name.

 

3. Allan Saint-Maxim Impresses Despite the Loss

Although the Frenchman was on the losing side this weekend, he was arguably the best player on the pitch; a pitch he shared with the likes of Ronaldo. Saint-Maxim caused a lot of trouble for the Red Devils’ defense and managed to assist Javier Manquillo’s second-half equaliser.

One of the few positives the visitors can look back on from today.

 

4. Jesse Lingard Snatches a Late Goal on His Return

Jesse Lingard continues to knock at Solskjaer’s door as he continues to make the best of the opportunities allotted to him. Thanks to a brilliant assist from Paul Pogba, the Englishman scored the final goal of the game to top off a brilliant performance.

The gaffer will surely notice Lingard’s exploits and will have to debate with himself regarding bringing him back into the side more often.

 

5. Paul Pogba is a Cheat Code

Unsurprisingly, Pogba was yet again the best midfielder on the pitch. The French international registered 2 assists for the home side, taking his tally for the season to 7 league assists in total.

With 34 games yet to be played, it wouldn’t be crazy to debate whether he can threaten the assist record shared by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

 

6. Bruno Fernandes Scored Another Phenomenal Goal and Nobody’s Surprised

The Portuguese smashed home an incredible effort from about 25 yards out, and at this point, it is a regular day at the office for him. The former Sampdoria man’s goal offered his side the cushion it needed after his compatriot pushed them into the lead again in the second half.

Maybe the Manchester outfit can now boast of two Portuguese talismans.

 

7. The Red Devils Sit Atop the Table

Solskjaer’s side have beaten rivals Manchester City to the top of the table as they sit clear by 1 point as of now.

Although it is still early into the season to proclaim them as title challengers already, anyone who has watched United for a good period of time would know that they are capable of carrying this form on just like they did during the second half of the previous campaign.

 

With a dream start to the campaign and an almost magical transfer window, there is seemingly nothing stopping the record champions from pushing for the title this time around.