---
title: "Highlights: Sheffield United"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2015/07/26/highlights-sheffield-united/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Thomas Bore"
section: "Matchday"
published: "2015-07-26T21:35:17Z"
modified: "2015-07-26T23:38:52Z"
---

# Highlights: Sheffield United

Newcastle United were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in a pre-season friendly earlier today.

New boy Georginio Wijnaldum opened the scoring just before the half-time interval, after George Long clawed the ball from Papiss Cisse but into the Dutchman’s path.

Shortly after the break, Sheffield United had equalised after Newcastle’s defence had disappeared, leaving Marc McNulty one-on-one with Tim Krul. Without hesitation, he cooly slotted past Krul.

A long spell of pressure from the Blades and several substitutions later, Siem de Jong put Newcastle back in front – completely against the run of play.

Once again, the Magpies’ lead was only brief as Kieron Freeman’s late long-range striker put his side back on level terms.

Pre-season is all about the players building up fitness levels and the new-look Newcastle under McClaren look much better than last year, though the defence are still a shambles.

It was only a friendly, but Williamson struggling to cope with League One players doesn’t give fans optimism ahead of the new season.

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