OPINION
Newcastle United were subjected to their eighth defeat of the Premier League season after they lost 2-0 to Manchester United on Wednesday night, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the game.
United substitutes Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku secured all three points for the home side, a result which means that the Magpies sit just two points above the relegation zone in 15th place.
Newcastle were arguably lucky to have 11 men on the pitch after Jonjo Shelvey’s reckless challenge on Paul Pogba went unpunished, and Rafa Benitez no doubt has a few things to address following yet another defeat.
Here, Nothing but Newcastle has rounded up the three things learned about the loss to Manchester United.
Hayden needs to be axed imminently
Isaac Hayden has been abysmal for a while now, but his performance against the Red Devils really was the last straw. He was sloppy with his passing, was dreadful in possession and failed to provide any sort of cover to the back four for the majority of the game. The £22,000-a-week [Spotrac] liability needs to be axed as soon as possible, as it is clear to see that his actions are having a detrimental effect on this team. Overall, he is just an accident waiting to happen, as his contribution is absolutely woeful.
Dummett was Newcastle’s star of the show
Paul Dummett was the best player on the pitch in a Newcastle shirt on Wednesday by a mile – he hardly put a foot wrong, and he made some important interceptions throughout the match. The 27-year-old’s defensive work was extremely tidy, and it was largely because of him that the back four were rather solid. Rafa Benitez must be glad to have him back, as the difference he makes is important.
Perez lacked any sort of impact
Another game, another poor display from Ayoze Perez. It is hard to count on one hand the amount of good things he has done this season, and that is a rather worrying sign for the Spaniard. He made zero impact against United, wasting a number of opportunities that presented themselves. Yes, he did make a great pass for Christian Atsu that could have been Newcastle’s best chance – but his overall game was very poor. It is puzzling why Yoshinori Muto has not been starting instead, but this game has no doubt helped Benitez recognise who should be in his line-up.
