Tim Krul – 8
Much more composed in his penalty area than the previous two matches, Krul calmly collected and dealt with set pieces without a hint of hesitation. Of the 15 crosses from Man Utd, only one lead to a chance – from a corner.
Whilst his distribution is still questionable, Krul made a total of eight saves throughout the match, including a one-on-one showdown with Javier Hernandez.
Chancel Mbemba – 8
Replacing the suspended Daryl Janmaat, Mbemba slotted into the right-back position seamlessly against the in-form Memphis Depay, rarely allowing him to cut inside onto his favoured left foot.
Fabricio Coloccini – 9
An outstanding performance from the captain, the likes we haven’t seen as good for a number of years. The Argentine consistently threw his body on the line for the cause, lead from the back and was rightly awarded Man of the Match by BT Sport. Perhaps he felt more comfortable with a familiar compadre in Steven Taylor alongside him, but he looked a lot more solid regardless.
Steven Taylor – 7
A solid defensive effort from Taylor in his first start for the club since New Years Day. Whilst his performance may have been overshadowed by playing alongside the flawless Coloccini, Taylor still stayed calm and composed himself, keeping Rooney and Januzaj quiet for the majority of the afternoon.
Massadio Haidara – 7
Juan Mata looked off the pace and out of his comfort zone playing down the right wing. Haidara took full advantage of this with an impressive attacking contribution. His average position was over the halfway line, he completed ten passes and won two free kicks. Booked.
Vurnon Anita – 8
It’s so refreshing to see the Dutchman at last working in a system that suits the subtleties to his style of play! Anita worked tirelessly to keep Schweinsteiger quiet throughout the first half, and whilst he struggled towards the end of the match when Carrick entered the fray, I’m certain this won’t become an issue once his overall fitness progresses across the season.
Jack Colback – 7
I spoke to a handful of Sunderland fans prior to his move 13 miles north and the fans stated that whilst he won’t always have a bright game, he’ll always contribute a solid 7/10 to the team – which is what he did today – keeping Schneiderlein quiet and often finding himself dropping back to protect the defensive line. Colback’s trojan work rate proved to frustrate Manchester United. That said, Colback still managed to complete 14 out of his 15 passes, but his near post corners proved to be his Achilles heel. Perhaps McClaren doesn’t know his best corner or set piece taker yet, but until the crossed improve the goals certainly won’t come from there.
Ayoze Perez – 9
There’s just something about Perez. His footballing brain is brighter than others on the field. While someone like Sissoko would run directly at the opposition’s full-back, Perez has an edge of flair, improvisation and creativity about his play. The 22-year-old worked his socks off for the cause and his teammates. Personally, the Spaniard would be one of the first names on the teamsheet if I were in charge – based on his performances last season, as well as today.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
Wijnaldum had a slightly quieter afternoon than he would have liked, mainly down to the amount of defensive work he and his team had to put in across the match. I felt he struggled to truly grow into this game as a whole, but his pace when on the counterattack proved problematic for Chris Smalling all afternoon.
Gabriel Obertan – 6
Obertan clearly isn’t comfortable playing down the left and proved so again this afternoon against his former club. He struggled when switching wings and taking on Memphis Depay – ultimately being booked for a foul on the Dutchman and being subbed off.
Aleksander Mitrovic – 8
Mitrovic left a lasting and physical impression on Smalling and Blind. His hold up play, backtracking down the left wing ahead of Obertan, take-ons against Rooney and thunderous header against the bar in the first half show much promise for the 20-year-old and will give McClaren food for thought ahead of the visit of Arsenal next Saturday lunchtime.
SUBS
Florent Thauvin – 7
Instantly coming on to turn full-back Luke Shaw inside out and ultimately get him booked, Thauvin came inches from a last minute winner.
Florian Thauvin absolutely killing Luke Shaw. [Credit: @NUFC_Online] #nufc http://t.co/ldXzB9oosV
— Read Newcastle (@ReadNewcastle) August 22, 2015
Cheick Tiote – 6
The pace of the team slowed down after Wijnaldum went off for the Ivorian, with Newcastle intentionally inviting pressure towards the end the match. Tiote slotted into midfield to simply prove a fresh pair of legs alongside Anita and Colback, to assist at the back against Carrick and Hernandez.
Papiss Cisse – 6
Perhaps tried to do too much on the counter attack taking on Blind over and over. Dragging his shot wide at the end was as close as Newcastle came to a winner.
[statsfc-player-rater key=”n3hIsXGmdJ6AnSMKzUo6i09cnqzZIPNpYYb7QNmF” team=”Newcastle” date=”2015-08-22″]
