In their first trip to St. James’ Park in two years, Manchester United were held to a goalless draw in the Barclays Premier League against Newcastle United.
This dull, nil-nil draw saw each team have a half a shout for a penalty in the second half, but Ryan Giggs missed an absolute certain goal which would have surely gave the Reds all three points.
The Reds secured only their fourth clean sheet of the season against the Magpies, so was it a defender who won Man of the Match honors for United?
Edwin van der Sar – 6
Had to be on his toes for the opening 25 minutes, but after that van der Sar was a mere spectator against Newcastle.
John O’Shea – 6
Never troubled in defense, but O’Shea was ineffective teaming up with Nani down the right flank.
Chris Smalling – 6
Given a tough time by Peter Lövenkrands and Shola Ameobi, but Smalling was sturdy enough to help keep Newcastle off the score sheet.
Nemanja Vidic – 7 (Man of the Match)
Continues to prove that he is a monster in defense, Vidic was never troubled by either of the Magpies when they came to his side of the field.
Patrice Evra – 6
Should have registered an assist after he picked out Giggs, but overall Evra put in a much better performance than he did in the FA Cup Semifinal.
Nani – 6
Played much better in the second half with some great runs, but Nani’s final ball was lacking and the lack of delivery eventually cost him a chance to finish out the match.
Anderson – 5
Faced with a similar combative midfielder in Ismael Cheik Tioté, but Anderson was very ineffective and was very lucky to not have given up a penalty with debatable challenge on
Michael Carrick – 7
After making a pivotal mistake against Manchester City, Carrick put in another disciplined display, but was unable to pick out that final pass.
Ryan Giggs – 6
His miss will go down as one of the worst of his career, but Giggs’ head certainly did not look to be at St. James’ Park tonight.
Wayne Rooney – 7
Missed a great chance in the opening 20 minutes, but Rooney was really the only constant threat going against the Toon defenders.
Javier Hernandez – 6
His athletic ability and pace frighten the best of defenders, and it would have been a brave man that would have thought that Chicharito would not have converted any of the hand full of chances he had.
Substitutions
Antonio Valencia – 5
After making a very good return to the United line-up, Valencia’s performances have dipped in the last couple of games.
Michael Owen – 5
Came on for Nani with under 10 minutes to go, but Owen was not presented with an opportunity to punish his former employers.
Overall – 5
It was another frustrating performance for Manchester United away from Old Trafford, because, as they have done so many times this season, the Reds failed to produced the final ball and it deserved to leave St. James’ Park with only a point.
Submitted by The United Religion
