Manchester United failed to close down the gap on Manchester City as a goal from Matt Ritchie sealed a surprise 1-0 win for Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park.
It was the same old story for Mourinho’s men as they missed a string of opportunities. However, credit must be given to Martin Dubravka – who made his debut for Newcastle, as he did everything to keep United out of the next. The defeat now sees Manchester City lead the Premier League log by a comfortable 16 points.
It all started when Nemanja Matic released Anthony Martial through on goal but Dubravka stayed calm to deny the Frenchman. The likes of Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku too came close but the stopper made sure he kept his record clean. Alexis Sanchez remained the only player to beat the 29-year-old Slovak but the Chilean failed to find the net somehow.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, could have taken the lead in the first-half when Chris Smalling tripped Dwight Gayle in the area but the referee simply waved play on. Smalling, on his part, remained United’s weakest link and it was his dive which lead to Newcastle United’s opener. Exaggerating Jonjo Shelvey’s touch, the towering defender dived and earned himself a caution.
Reacting to Shelvey’s free-kick, Florian Lejune headed down the ball to Matt Ritchie’s way and the former Bournemouth man slotted home with a neat finish, denying David de Gea his 16th clean sheet. Manchester United, who enjoyed 63% of possession, managed 13 shots, with 6 of them coming on target. Manchester United fans, on their part, were left furious by Smalling’s performance and this is how they reacted to it:
Can’t believe Chris Smalling is still at Manchester United, let alone starting. Liability of the highest order.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 11, 2018
Smalling should have been sold 8 years ago!!!! Jones too
— music_kid (@NotFromHereToo) February 11, 2018
We need Baily back
— Reuben Muiirah (@ReubenAvirex) February 11, 2018
Chris Smalling did not win a successful tackle in the entire match against newcastle. pic.twitter.com/SpG8mrAffN
— N Pesa (@npesa1) February 11, 2018
Struggle to understand why he’s picked ahead of Rojo 😏 #mufc #NEWMUN
— Clyde K. Hendricks (@C_Keegan_H) February 11, 2018
When you concede a goal from a freekick that’s conceded because your central defender has dived. Fuck off Smalling.
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) February 11, 2018
I’d terminate Smalling’s contract even if it cost us £15m. Would be the best money we could spend. #mufc
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) February 11, 2018
In the end, @ManUtd will pay Chris Smalling’s wage – weekly!
— Nothing But Net (@olumhe) February 11, 2018
@ManUtd Why must Jose Mourihno start Lukaku yet Mata & Rashford suits best
Lukaku is not talented
Smalling shouldn’t start when Rojo is fit#NEWMUN— BRUCE DOO (@brucedoo9) February 11, 2018
Carrick is a better Central defender than smalling
— Josh (@Eden_10i) February 11, 2018
Chris Smalling and Jones combination is just pathetic still in first 11at Manchester United, Liability of the highest order. #NEWMUN
— Collince Ojika (@collinceojika) February 11, 2018
If you think you need a degree to be an engineer
Jst remember Smalling plays football#NEWMUN
— Zephania (@zephani_10k) February 11, 2018
Meanwhile, there were words for Alexis Sanchez as well,
Alexis Sánchez vs Newcastle:
– 64% of passes completed
– 0 goals
– 0 assists
– 0 shots on target
– 50% of dribbles completed
– Still yet to have a shot on target that wasn’t either a penalty or rebound
– Second consecutive away defeat since his transfer pic.twitter.com/8IFLGYw5En— bet365 (@bet365) February 11, 2018
Alexis Sánchez’s enthusiasm is superb. Such a tireless worker. Was great again, just unfortunate in not scoring. If only some other Manchester United’s players had the same energy.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 11, 2018
Sanchez is doing all the work and his playing so f well
— 🕊 (@_AB3LLA_) February 11, 2018
Best player on the team easily just because of his effort and drive.
— Tyler (@CopyNinja_1) February 11, 2018
THE ONLY PLAYER WHO IS TRYNG TO CHANGE THE MATCH…
— JORGE MACEIRAS (@MaceirasJorge) February 11, 2018
How did you miss that boy when it had the goal written all over it,sometimes the ghosts does play along i guess
— Calvin (@MasingaCalvin) February 11, 2018
Hot take: Alexis Sanchez is really very good at football.
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood) February 11, 2018
