Newcastle United have recorded their first win at Old Trafford since 1972 after an immense performance against Manchester United. A single goal from Yohan Cabaye, in the 61st minute, was the difference maker. The win moves Newcastle up into sixth, at least temporarily, while United are down to ninth.
The first half wasn’t just lacking in goals, it was lacking in much in the way of interest whatsoever. Manchester United spent the majority of the first 45 minutes applying pressure on the visitors, yet they rarely threatened Tim Krul’s goal. Although the ‘keeper was called into action a few times, it was usually to rescue a deflected shot, with the Newcastle defenders doing an excellent job of clearing away any danger.
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The second half started much the same as the first, although perhaps with even more pressure, as Manchester United began forcing Krul into sharp saves. Moments after Javier Hernández forced a save, Adnan Januzaj got on the end of a headed pass from Tom Cleverly to test Krul again. The post got into the action as well, helping out Newcastle by blocking a shot from Patrice Evra in the 55th minute. The ball looked to hit Vurlon Anita’s arm as well, but it appeared unintentional, and the referee had no interest in awarding a penalty.
Despite the pressure from the hosts, it was Newcastle that came up with the goal. Moussa Sissoko slipped in behind Patrice Evra to pull back for Yohan Cabaye, to whom no one was paying one bit of attention. Cayabe had no trouble putting in his shot and, with a slight deflection off Nemanja Vidić, the ball flew past David De Gea and landed in the bottom left corner.
Manchester United thought they’d pulled one back through Robin van Persie when he headed in from close range, but the flag went up against the Dutchman. And although Wilfried Zaha did his best to impress during his rare few minutes on the pitch, his attempt went wide and, with about fifteen minutes left to play, United were simply out of things to try.
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael (Valencia 76), Evans, Vidic, Evra; Nani (Zaha 68), Jones, Cleverley (Anderson 69), Januzaj; Hernandez, van Persie
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Young, Welbeck
Newcastle United: Krul; Debuchy Yanga-Mbiwa 83), Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Cabaye (Shola Ameobi 78), Tiote, Anita; Sissoko, Remy, Gouffran (Ben Arfa 57)
Subs not used: Elliot, Obertan, Gutierrez, Cisse