The ‘banker 0-0′ ended up being our most entertaining game of the season as we shared six goals and a well deserved point with a bedraggled Man United side in a game full of incident.’ The game was preceded with the promising signing of Jonjo Shelvey, who will certainly improve what is now looking a half decent midfield but we lined up with the same side which started our last league game at Arsenal.
We got off to a terrible start and found ourselves one down inside ten minutes in highly dubious circumstances.’ A deep ball to the back post was met by the head of Fellaini only to come off the flailing arm of Mbemba at point blank range.’ Mike Dean seemed to pause before spotting a Man United appeal and awarding a harsh penalty.’ Rooney tucked the spot kick away and we looked a dejected side at a very early point in the game.’ In reality, we didn’t get in the game at all in the first half hour and Rooney outpaced Coloccini to drag a shot just wide of the post with Eliott beaten and it was difficult to see how we were going to get back into the game.
That looked to have changed when a neat interchange of passes between Perez and Wijnaldum left the Dutchman with the
goal at his mercy but he put a weak side foot straight at a grateful de Gea.’ Shortly afterwards Janmaat was chopped down in the box but Dean waved what looked like a legitimate penalty away and from nowhere we were back in the match, or so it seemed.’ With five minutes to go to half time though, it looked to be game over as Man United doubled their lead.’ Rooney, who despite being roughly eight stone overweight, still had enough of a turn of pace to beat Coloccini regularly in the first half sprinted on to a ball and laid it off to Lingard, who side footed his finish through the legs of Eliott ‘ poor goal all round to concede.
We still found time to drag ourselves back into it shortly before half time though, when Mitrovic cushioned an excellent knock down into the path of Wijnaldum who volleyed a smart finish past de Gea to send us in to the break back in contention.’ We picked up where we’d left off at the start of the second half and buoyed on by the crowd who sensed us getting on top, we fashioned a chance for Sissoko but he shot straight at the keeper with options in the box.’ At the other end, Lingard fired over in yards of space inside the box when it looked easier to score but our pressure told when we were awarded a penalty after Smalling hauled Mitrovic down inside the box.’ He seized the ball himself from Perez and composed himself to stroke a fine penalty home.’ I thought it was his best game for us tonight, he fed mainly on scraps but kept going and showed some bottle to take the penalty ‘ he’s still a long way from being the answer as a goalscoring centre forward but tonight will be a big boost for him hopefully.
We had our gander up and Man United were rocking, but we couldn’t capitalise and we started to wane a bit despite the 
best efforts of the excellent Sissoko and Wijnaldum to drive us on and with ten minutes to go, the game looked to be heading for a draw but agonisingly, we found ourselves behind again as Martial was allowed to run through a few tackles on the edge of the box.’ The ball fell slightly fortuitously to Rooney but there was no argument with his finish as he curled a fine effort past Eliott into the top corner.
Fellaini then had the chance to kill the ball off but contrived to head the ball straight at Eliott, who deserved credit for spreading himself well, from about two yards out.’ Starting Fellaini in effectively a holding midfield position with Mata sat on the bench says a lot about van Gaal’s philosophy and the miss proved costly for them.
We threw Gouffran and Toney on but as we entered the 90th minute, another defeat looked inevitable before a long ball fell to Dummett at the edge of the box and he lashed an unstoppable piledriver past de Gea into the roof of the net to spark jubilant scenes around the ground.’ To coin a clich’, the final whistle was greeted as if we’d won the game but after the torment of the recent weeks, it was nice to walk away from the ground with a smile on our faces ‘ fair result, great effort and a good deal of character.’ More of that and we’ll stop up ‘ Saturday against a West Ham side on the edge of the Champions League places and with a formidable away record will be an even greater test than this one, so let’s not undo the good work eh?
Keep the Faith
Newcastle United ‘ Eliott 5, Janmaat 6, Coloccini 7, Mbemba 7, Dummett 7, Tiote 7 (Toney n/a), Sissoko 8, Colback 5 (Gouffran n/a), WIJNALDUM 8, Perez 6, Mitrovic 7
Ref ‘ Dean ‘ 2 ‘ Got loads of big decisions wrong, has been shite for years, is he not ready to fucking retire yet?
Our Fans ‘ 7 ‘ Game of two halves, excellent in the second half, deathly quiet in the first
Their Fans ‘ 7 ‘ Good songbook, noisy when things were going their way, reverted to type and stood in total silence when they weren’t
GARETH HARRISON ‘ Follow Gareth on @truefaith1892
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ManU are pigging rubbish. And LVG is Pardiola in disguise (unfounded self-belief and always seems to be watching a different game from the rest of the planet).
I cannot believe this shower is anywhere near the top 10.
If only we had a bit of structure and had planned ahead (like Leicester, Watford, etc), this year would have been a massive opportunity to achieve something truly memorable in a shockingly average league. What a waste of a chance!!
I don’t know about them having a good repertoire of songs. It seems pathetic that they can’t get over the fact that Shearer turned them down. It was nice to be reminded that Andy Cole gets the ball and scores a goal. The lad had a very good record with us but I would argue that a certain PB helped him have a fantastic first season in the Premiership. KK was right to sell him when he did.
Once we pushed our midfield higher up the pitch and got the ball to the half-way line quicker we caused Man U plenty of problems. They had to start sitting deeper and it allowed Mitrovich to not be so isolated. Tiote looked more the player he used to be with the exception of a couple of times when he left Colo a little exposed (both too slow). If we play like this against teams that are outside the top 7 then 2016 could be a fun year! One negative that pissed me off was McLaren’s post match interview where he referred to them as United. It annoys me when commentators do it but when our own people do it it’s infuriating
Something needs to be done about these refs, mind. There’s something wrong when you average a penalty a year. Booking a NUFC player is also far easier than booking a player from certain other clubs. Sick of these starstruck refs. Oxlade Chamberlain was let off with a few yellows which cost us and last night it was Fellini’s turn to get the benevolent touch. Absolutely stinks.
Just need ot put in a shift on Sat. Hope macems and Swans draw tonight
agree with you mike.
Perez and a few others were guilty of giving the ball away first half but second half we were excellent. Van Gaal seemed to think all the luck and decisions went our way so he is yet another deluded manager. Sounds like Carroll might be injured going into Saturdays game so maybe our luck is changing. Loved the anti sports direct banner shame it was removed a club where free speech isn’t allowed
I thought the first half was grim, maybe the dodgy pen knocked the stuffing out of us. Second half was superb. One day we might even play well both halves…
It would be churlish not to admit that was a good performance (listening to it with Big Al on five live), and brought back memories of happier times. I think Shelvey is a good signing, so hurry up and get Ashley out, in case we improve too much! Can’t wait for the post-Ashley era.
Such an unusual game to make a comment on, we were miserable and sublime all rolled into one! Man U were dire, apart from one world class performer, who always picks out the Toon for his greater performances. Gini and Sisoko outstanding second half. Perez way off the pace. Mitro had the odd good touch, but takes up poor positions and even gets in the way of others! Never thought I’d say it but Shola would’ve made a big difference tonight… Will not say if we have a chance of staying up until I know how the next two games turn out..
Just back from the game, so we didn’t win two zip but the sore throat is testament to the pride we all felt tonight. Medicinal brandy required to ease the throat and toast all eleven warriors tonight. As for the red b8stards including the wig wearing wooney they can all rot back to London.
To be fair Rooney is due a refund, bit sparse in the back of his head perhaps Schteve can give him some tips. I bet Shelvey and Saivet got a bit of a shock tonight.
Despite being a miserable sod normally on this message board have to admit really enjoyed that match. Man U missed two sitters but we deserved a draw at least. Just need to replicate this display in the bread and butter games. Apart from Rooney and De Gea Man U look average sure Moyes side beat us 4 nil here and they look worse to me under Van Gaal
The chron suggests Saivet was 1st on Charnley’s shopping list with Shelvey 2nd. This guy never ceases to amaze (in a bad way). He obviously doesn’t have the same priorities as the rest of us. A number of clubs have already signed strikers, the one position we need 1st seems to be well down that list. Hopeless.
Totally agree why would you sell when to main rival?!?! However money talks and if he gets his head sorted and rattles from the off he’ll be a major injection of steel over little vern and colback. So we move forward two nil victory tonight and a new centre forward please.
Think Shelvey looks a decent signing though a bit overpriced and not sure why Swansea would sell to a relegation rival. He has a few goals in him as well which our midfield is lacking. I’ve been banging the drum to sign some players with previous PL experience so reasonably happy with that.