Man Utd 1 - 0 Newcastle

0 comments   Sunday, August 17, 2008

Manchester United  1 - 1  Newcastle United


I was quite suprised to see Tevez missing from the starting lineup, and Fraizer Campbell taking his place alongside Rooney in the attack. However, the Argentinian was not even on substitute bench ! News was that Tevez was allowed to fly back to Argentina following a family bereavement.


During that match, there was an obvious lack of attacking options. Campbell debut was impressive, and the individual proved to be pacey in his runs. But more importantly, Rooney far too often forced to drop back to the centre of the park.

The hosts had some problems at the back against a Newcastle side aided aided by the excellence of one of their Argentinian new boys Jonas Gutierrez. He was often found down the left flank exposing Wes Brown defensive weakness in his raw pace.


Wayne Rooney was unable to inspire United to an opening-day victory

In the 80th minute, Ferguson had brought on Rafael da Silva and Rodrigo Possebon, two Brazilian teenagers of rich promise but whose presence here demonstrated the lack of options while Ronaldo, Louis Saha, Park Ji-Sung and Owen Hargreaves are injured, Nani still suspended. Tevez is in Argentina and Anderson at the Olympic Games.

To add to a "disappointing" day for Ferguson, Michael Carrick limped off with an ankle that could rule him out for up to three weeks and Giggs also had to leave the pitch early because of his recurrent hamstring problems.


Defensive Analysis
How was Obafemi Martins allowed to sneak in a header in the sea of united defense ? Let's take a look.









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