In a series of four winless matches in all competitions, Manchester United had to win this Saturday against Newcastle (Week 8 of the Premier League). Led 2-0 by the Magpies, The Red Devils completely reversed the trend in the second period and finally won 3-2 !
On 19 September, as part of the first day of the Champions League, Manchester United easily dominated the young Boys of Bern in Switzerland (3-0). Since then, the Red Devils have stepped up, even more, and haven’t won a single game. After a draw against Wolves (1-1) in the league, A elimination in the Caraboa Cup against Derby County (2-2, 7 TA.A. B to 8) and a loss against West Ham (1-3), José Mourinho’s men were hooked by Valencia in C1 on Tuesday night (0-0). A disturbing series and the Portuguese technician seemed to be in the hot seat. A reaction was thus required this Saturday at the Newcastle reception as part of the 8th Premier League Day. To regain the taste for victory, José Mourinho opted for Martial instead of Sanchez in his 4-3-3. Opposite, Rafael Benitez lined up a 4-4-2 with Pérez right behind Muto on the attack. In front of their audience, the Red Devils quickly put their foot on the ball and set up their game but the beautiful combinations didn’t give anything interesting to the outposts.
But for their part, the Magpies were quick to work and opened the door on their first chance. Launched into the back of the defence by Pérez, Kenedy eliminated Young at the entrance to the surface and misled De Gea’s vigilance with a coiled shot from the left foot (7 ‘ 0 ‘ 1). A real chill in Manchester United’s lair ! And that was just the beginning… Three minutes later, Shelvey found Muto making a nice chaining to take the break (10th, 0-2). The men of Rafael Benitez still insisted behind and Gea pulled out a shot from Shelvey (18th). Soon, José Mourinho made a change by taking Bailly out for Mata (19′). The Mancunians then tried to create the danger on corner but the head shots of Matic (20e) and of Smalling (32e) did nothing. It was Muto who was close to the knockout, but Gea still saved the furniture (34′). At the end of the first period, Pogba found Dubravka on his way (42’). So MU was led to the pause.
Alexis Sanchez as savior !
To try to reverse the trend, José Mourinho made his second change at the break as Fellaini took McTominay’s place. And in the second act, the Red Devils showed much better things. Following a repulsed shot from Pogba, Matic was missing the frame behind (51′). The locals were growing and the “Special One” even brought Sanchez in instead of Rashford (67′). And to force them to insist, the Mancunians found the rift. On a free-kick obtained by Martial at the entrance to the surface, Mata placed a coiled shot that ended at the bottom of Dubravka’s nets (70′, 1-2). The beginning of a crazy ending game ! Powerless on the direct free-kick of the Spanish, Dubravka made this time several parades against Fellaini, Matic and Pogba (75′), before flanching behind on the work of the French of MU.
To the left of the surface of the Magpies, Martial took the information and leaned on Pogba for a one-two. The former striker of AS Monaco then sent a nice right foot shot to the right of Dubravka, who lost again (76′, 2-2). Enough to make José Mourinho and all the fans in attendance crazy with joy. But the rest was going to be even better. After several unbearable minutes, the Red Devils were on the scoreboard. Found to the right of the surface, Pogba shifted Young’s focus to the first intention. The ball arrived on Sanchez who was delivering MU with a whim (90′, 3-2)! And after seven minutes of extra time, the Red Devils could breathe after this crazy game ! MU was 3-2 after being led 2-0, enough to give a reprieve to José Mourinho.