An underwhelming performance saw Manchester United endure a 0-2 loss against Newcastle United away from home on Sunday as the Red Devils continue struggling to gain consistency in results across recent outings. Having failed to increase their lead in the league table, the Red Devils now stand fourth in the table, having failed to secure a victory in either of their last three league outings.

Having struggled to cope with the opposition’s attacking intent from the first whistle, the Red Devils failed to impose themselves on the hosts on Sunday. Failing to compete with the home side’s discipline in and out of possession, Ten Hag’s side remained tame in front of the goal as they struggled to make the best use of possession at St James’ Park throughout the first half.

However, whilst expected to improve their overall output in the second-half, United failed to redeem themselves on the pitch, with the hosts continuing to dominate the Red Devils in possession throughout the half. Failing to find a foothold in the game, a sloppy piece of play in the lead-up to the opening goal saw the Red Devils fail to detect danger as the home side opened the scoring in the 65th minute through a Joe Willock header.

Despite attempting to equalise, Manchester United soon found themselves struggle to maintain composure, as Newcastle struck again through Callum Wilson in the 88th minute. With fatigue and a congested fixture list expected to play a vital role in determining the team’s prospects moving forward, Ten Hag will be keen on making the best of his situation as the club aims to secure a top-four spot at the end of the campaign.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Newcastle United: Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 6/10: Having made a number of crucial saves, De Gea remained a reliable presence between the sticks on Sunday. Needing to play a major role over the remainder of the season, the Spaniard will be keen on playing to the best of his abilities moving forward.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 5/10: Whilst delivering an average performance, Dalot struggled to make a notable impact against Newcastle. Yet to gain consistency in his performances, the right-back will be hoping to make the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.

Raphael Varane (RCB) – 6/10: Decent in his overall display, Varane delivered an average performance on Sunday. With the team reliant on his experience, the Frenchman will be keen on maintaining his excellent standard of output moving forward.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB) – 6/10: Amongst United’s better players on the afternoon, Martinez remained an imposing presence in defence against Newcastle. With the team reliant on his contribution, the centre-back will look to remain consistent on this pitch over the remainder of the season.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 6/10: Decent in his overall display, Shaw delivered an average performance on Sunday. Expected to continue remaining the manager’s preferred left-back, the England international will be keen on returning to his best form moving ahead in the campaign.

Bruno Fernandes (CM) – 4/10: Having struggled to emerge as a dominant presence in midfield, the Manchester United play-maker remained a largely underwhelming figure against Newcastle. However, having proven his significance under Ten Hag, Fernandes will be keen on redeeming himself over the coming fixtures.

Marcel Sabitzer (CM) – 5/10: Whilst decent in possession, Sabitzer delivered an average performance on Sunday. Expected to retain his place moving forward, the Austrian will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities over the remainder of the season.

Scott McTominay (CAM) – 5/10: Deployed in an attacking capacity, McTominay failed to make a notable impact against Newcastle. Although yet to deliver consistent displays, the Scotsman will be keen on staking a claim for a starting spot moving forward.

Antony (RW) – 6/10: Decent in possession, Antony’s emerged amongst United’s few bright sparks on Sunday. Having struggled for consistency in his output, however, the winger will be keen on delivering impactful performances over the coming weeks.

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 5/10: Having struggled to make the best of his opportunities against Newcastle, Rashford failed to test the opposition’s defence on Sunday. Nevertheless, having been a significant part of the team’s progress this season, the forward will be keen on continuing to remain a vital part of the team’s push for top-four moving forward.

Wout Weghorst (ST) – 5/10: Amongst a number of players rendered unimpactful due to United’s failure to create goal-scoring opportunities, Weghorst delivered an average display against Newcastle. With Anthony Martial having recovered from injury, the Dutchman is likely to make way for the Frenchman moving forward in the season.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Newcastle United: Substitutes

Anthony Martial (ST) – 6/10: Decent in possession, Martial delivered a promising cameo on Sunday. Expected to be eased back into the starting line-up, the forward will be keen on remaining fit whilst making the best of his opportunities over the remainder of the campaign.

Jadon Sancho (LW) – 5/10: Having struggled to make the best of possession, Sancho delivered an underwhelming cameo on Sunday. Amongst the players struggling for consistency, the forward will be keen on returning to his best over the coming weeks.

Fred (CM) – 6/10: Introduced to add fresh legs in midfield, Fred delivered a decent performance against Newcastle. In line to feature in the starting line-up against Brentford, the midfielder will be keen on making the best of his opportunities moving forward.

Facundo Pellistri (RW) – 6/10: Introduced to freshen up the attack, Pellistri remained largely unnoticed in his short cameo on Sunday. Likely to be granted adequate game-time over the remainder of the season, the youngster will be keen on making the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.

Victor Lindelof (CB) – 6/10: A surprise introduction, Lindelof remained largely untested against Newcastle. With the team expected to be rotated over the demanding fixture schedule, the centre-back will be keen on making the best of his opportunities moving forward.

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