Manchester United played the penultimate Premier League game of the season on Wednesday, here are five things we learned from the game.
After a decent display against Arsenal, Manchester United continued in this form against Newcastle, with another performance far better than recent months.
The scoring was opened in the 32nd minute through Kobbie Mainoo who found himself in acres of space after Amad Diallo‘s pass found him.
Newcastle did get one back after the break but then Amad scored his first Premier League goal for United to put Erik ten Hag‘s side 2-1 ahead.
The win was secured by Rasmus Hojlund who scored an excellent strikers goal, driving along the Newcastle defensive line before finding a gap to squeeze his shot past Martin Dubravka.
A late Newcastle goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the scores finished 3-2.
Here are five things we learned…
Kobbie Mainoo had the calmest head in Old Trafford
In the 32nd minute, Mainoo found himself in a lot of space inside the Newcastle box to which some players might panic.
But our midfield gem had the coolest head in all Manchester as he took his time before placing it past Martin Dubravka into the near corner.
After a couple of subpar performances in recent weeks, he reminded everyone just how incredible he is.
Amad Diallo not starting all along is criminal
After months of frustration, last weekend finally saw Amad start for United, something which was long overdue after the terrible displays Antony has lived through.
After impressing against Arsenal, Amad was really good again against Newcastle as he assisted the opener for Mainoo.
Amad’s impressive evening continued as he scored the second United goal making it 2-1 at the time.
Rasmus Hojlund silences his critics with 15th goal of the season
For a debut camapign as a young striker, Hojlund has done really well and is often given too much stick.
But he came off the bench against Newcastle and scored a brilliant solo goal, proving that he has everything needed to become world class.
A 15th goal of the season is a real success for the number 11 and we expect he’ll kick on big time next season.
Sofyan Amrabat shows he should be signed
Another player who has been used sparingly in recent months only to shine in the past two games is Sofyan Amrabat.
The Moroccan has plugged the gaping hole in the United midfield and left the whole team looking more structured and as though there’s an actual plan.
Certainly makes you wonder if United could’ve been in a top four battle if this midfield had been in place through the atrocious run in recent months.
There could be hope yet for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
With the Manchester United manager’s future still up in the air, the past week will have given him far more of a leg to stand on.
Against Newcastle, United were once again far better than we’d became accustomed to over recent weeks and months.
Solid in possession and far better defensive structure too, if he is going to continue in his role beyond this season.
Importantly, this win keeps the chance of European football alive for the final day of the season.