MANCHESTER UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UNITED – REVIEW

MAN UTD 1 - Hernandez (49)

NEWCASTLE 1 - Ba (63) Penalty

                 

Manchester United were left scratching their heads, thinking how they did not get all three points against Newcastle on Saturday.

It was a combination of bad refereeing decisions, missed chances and bad luck. Mike Jones controversial penalty was the highlight of Saturday’s match of the match.

Manchester United started the match brightly and it was their best performance in quite a few games. Havier Hernandez had a disappointing first half as he missed at least three good chances in front of the goal.

Ben Arfa was booked for confronting Rooney after Rooney’s challenge on Coloccini.

Hernandez shot high on 29 minutes and in they very next minute

Fabio’s cross led to Gigg’s shot which was well saved by Krul.

Hernandez had another chance near half time, but he miscued the shot and both teams went goalless at half time.

After the break United scored a goal with a slice of luck. Rooney’s free kick hit the wall and he had another go at the goal. The shot went straight to Steven Taylor, who tried to clear it, but his clearance hit Hernandez and the ball was in the net.

Soon after the goal, Fabio has a great chance to put United 2-0 ahead but he shot wide of goal. This was followed with chances to Ashley Young and Coloccini and both ends.

At the hour mark Ferdinand's tackle on Ben Arfa led to the controversial penalty given by the assistant referee. Replay’s showed that it was a clean tackle and Rio had clearly got the ball. Ba stepped up to take the penalty and did not make any mistake to put Newcastle level.

Ashley Young should have restored United’s lead, but his shot was off target. Gutierrez was given the marching orders after his second yellow card for a challenge on Nani.

United could not capitalize with the extra man for the last ten minutes. Some excellent saves from Krul made sure United only got a point out of this match.

With City also drawing 1-1 with Liverpool on Sunday, United missed an excellent opportunity to close the gap to the league leaders.