OPINION
Even though Newcastle United were condemned to yet another defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday, there were a few positives to take away from the clash.
One of those positives is striker Yoshinori Muto, who was a shining light for the Magpies in their 3-2 loss to the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
They fought hard, but it was not meant to be – but one thing that boss Rafa Benitez will surely be pondering is why he has not started Muto a lot earlier.
Benitez has opted for the likes of Joselu and Salomon Rondon up front so far this season, and it is not difficult to deduce that those decisions have not paid off yet.
However, starting the Japan international was a masterstroke from the Spaniard after he netted just ten minutes into his full debut for Newcastle.
The 5ft 10in [Transfermarkt] ace caused all sorts of problems for the Manchester United defence with his pace and movement – and his performance must surely be the catalyst for further first team starts over the course of the season.
He is miles ahead of Rondon and Joselu in terms of confidence, and he was one of Newcastle’s standout players on the pitch on Saturday – not bad for his full Premier League debut for the side.
Making an instant impact in your first start can have a lasting impression on the manager, and there is no doubt that Muto has done just this.
He is a very exciting prospect and it will be entertaining to see how he gets on further along the line, but he must ensure that he maintains this good start.
Benitez needs game changers within his team and Muto could just be the person who can provide that service if he continues to bang in the goals on a regular basis.
One thing is for sure though, Benitez will be kicking himself that he did not hand Muto a start a lot earlier on in the season if this display was anything to go by.
