Newcastle 1-1 Man United: Edinson Cavani earns fortunate point for Ralf Rangnick’s below-par side

Matt Verri27 December 2021

Edinson Cavani’s second-half strike ensured the unbeaten run under Ralf Rangnick continued, but Man United were extremely poor as they drew 1-1 against Newcastle.

Coming off the back of 16 days without a match, much was expected of United against a Newcastle side sitting 19th in the table.

But the Magpies were brilliant throughout and deserved to win, with Allan-Saint Maximin, who scored the opening goal, and Joelinton both very impressive for Eddie Howe’s side.

Saint-Maximin got the Magpies off to the perfect start in front of a raucous home crowd inside seven minutes.

Sean Longstaff picked up the ball in space after Raphael Varane, on his return to the side, got caught on the ball. The midfielder played it wide to Saint-Maximin who cut inside and finishes brilliantly on the stretch into the far corner.

United offered very little in attack, Cristiano Ronaldo cutting a particularly frustrated figure throughout the first-half.

Callum Wilson thought he had doubled Newcastle’s lead, but the offside flag denied him. The striker was then forced off just before the break with a calf injury, in what was the only negative for Eddie Howe’s side in the opening 45 minutes.

Saint-Maximin missed a huge chance just after the break from a couple of yards, not getting enough on the effort as he allowed David de Gea to palm it away.

Marcus Rashford had a shot from distance saved and Edinson Cavani should have done better inside in the box, but United were still well below par. Ronaldo was perhaps fortunate to only be shown a yellow card for a wild hack on Ryan Fraser.

Joelinton was brilliant in midfield for Newcastle throughout and he regularly won it back and sent Saint-Maximin away on the break, with the winger drawing a couple more good saves from De Gea.

PA

But Cavani, introduced at the break, got his side level. The striker’s first effort was blocked, but the rebound fell straight to him and he poked it into the corner for the equaliser.

Saint-Maximin was forced off with injury, but Newcastle were so close to taking all three points with just a couple of minutes remaining.

Jacob Murphy’s curling effort struck the far post, and the rebound fell to Miguel Almiron. His strike looked certain to find the top corner, but De Gea made a sensational save to keep it out.

Joelinton nearly found space in the box as Newcastle piled on the pressure, before Martin Dubravka nearly gifted United the three points as he dropped the ball under no pressure, but his defenders got back to help him.

The full-time whistle brought an end to a pulsating encounter, and left Rangnick with plenty to consider after a worrying display from his side.

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