Manchester United and an unusually shy Cristiano Ronaldo could not get past Newcastle United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday in the draw, which kept two teams within the top five.
Displaying passion and conviction that is sometimes missing from their opponents Eddie Howe's Newcastle scored the most effective chance of the match with an incredible double header from Joelinton during the opening half, which was first on the crossbar, then through the posts.The Newcastle's Callum Wilson also had a penalty appeal turned down.
We've been through our fair share of moments and had our chances today. I'm happy with our players and the performance they've put in especially their defensive performances,Howe told reporters after the match.
He was awarded a goal before the game for having scored 700 club goals during the course of his career. Ronaldo was twice able to put the ball into the net. However, he was offside in the first time, and the second goal was disallowed after Ronaldo was jolly and nicked it off Newcastle to strike it into the net after claiming that a free kick had been played.
Ronaldo has scored only two times during the season at Manchester United, with some analysts already declaring the 37-year old to be at the end of his career.The player left the pitch, muttering to himself after being substituted in the 72nd minute however, United manager Erik Ten Hag stood by his choice.We are playing four games in 10 days. We must keep the strikers healthy. We need to rotate them,he told reporters.He also defended Ronaldo's recent absence of goals.It will be here. The strikers of our team will be scoring, and they will score many. I'm sure of that. So long as we continue doing our best.
STRIKERS SUDUED
The final score was that it left Manchester United fifth on 16 points, while Newcastle sixth with 15 points after one more game to play.Antony was once again Manchester United's shining star with a close-range shot blocked from the goal by Newcastle Goalkeeper Nick Pope's legs. While he saw plenty of ball, Antony was not able to get past Newcastle's ferocious defense or create the perfect ball for his teammates.
Marcus Rashford, on as an alternative to Ronaldo was able to provide Fred with a chance late in the game but the midfielder smashed his shot over the bar. Rashford was then unable to get a header in the final minutes of the game when Manchester United pressed for what could have been an undeserved goal.The roaring of their advancing army, Newcastle had the best of the opening half, regularly making good positions after poor passing by their rivals.
Without the injured forward Alexander Isak, the visitors were unable to put the finishing strike that their effort deserved.We just lost that small bit of zing (in attack) but I'm really happy with the team's effort.Howe said.In the second half Newcastle were forced onto the back foot however, they did not have a problem holding their ground against the home side.
Erik Ten Hag's subdued strikers is once more in the intense spotlight following an indifferent midweek Europa League performance when they failed to make the most of their chances and were left with nothing to win 1-0 against Omonia Nicosia.He said to online football betting malaysia.
