The new interim manager has quickly realised he has a job on his hands to turn things around at Old Trafford
Photograph: Peter Powell/EPAPhotograph: Peter Powell/EPAthis was an unwelcome dose of déjà vu. From the start at St James’ Park, this game called to mind the early days of Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign, with this exact fixture his fourth game in charge – and fourth win – three years ago and precisely two weeks into his tenure at Old Trafford.
On that occasion at least club and fans were still basking in their escape from the José Mourinho psychodrama, and a sense of goodwill towards Solskjær was clear. The Norwegian had his fingerprints smeared generously over the victory too, his double substitution just after the hour – bringing on Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sánchez –.
Cavani is clear as the perfect partner for Cristiano Ronaldo, sharing only an age bracket and a plentiful history of goals with the Portugal captain. At nearly 35 Cavani brings the hustle and the urgency which Ronaldo has rarely been required to provide in his career, and which United have lacked all over the pitch for way too long. It stood out like a sore thumb here, with United pedestrian in possession in their own half even after the leveller.
No feature of Manchester United’s game in the first 45 minutes had been as notable as the frequent sight of Rangnick’s downturned bottom lip plodding back through the technical area. He was shaking his head disapprovingly in the direction of his bench, with his side in his familiar 4-2-2-2 shape but with none of the zip that typically characterises his teams.
Individual quality covered a multitude of sins under Solskjaer, right up until it couldn’t anymore. Here that innate aptitude flickered far too briefly to give Manchester United a chance to snatch the points. There was one sliver where you saw how it might come together, when Ronaldo’s round-the-corner flick found Fernandes late in the first half. The latter’s sidefoot was comfortably smothered by Dubravka, but Ronaldo had been lingering offside in the first instance anyway.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rangnick bereft as Manchester United slip to Solskjær levels at Newcastle | Andy BrassellThe new interim manager has quickly realised he has a job on his hands to turn things around at Old Trafford
Read more »
Cavani salvages draw for Manchester United as Newcastle show new fightStriker’s equaliser rescued Manchester United after Newcastle took early lead through sublime Saint-Maximin finish
Read more »
Manchester United blasted after 1-1 draw with NewcastleManchester United miss the chance to go to fifth spot in the English Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by second-last Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
Read more »
Klopp insists Liverpool’s defending the key to overhauling Manchester CityJürgen Klopp believes Liverpool can overtake Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title providing his players “defend at the top level” for the rest of the season
Read more »
Squad Game: Knights roster changes and best 17 for 2022The halves pairing of Jake Clifford and Adam Clune looms as key to NRLKnights 2022 hopes.
Read more »
Australia drives up debt to Menzian levels with no end in sightSince the start of the century, federal government debt has climbed by more than 200 per cent – the largest increase of any major economy. More debt is to come.
Read more »