How Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0 in Premier League match thanks to Gordon's goal

Here’s a stat for you: Fabian Schar had managed more efforts on goal (three) than Manchester United (two) by the end of the first half.

Erik ten Hag looks a long way away from turning his side into “the best transition team in the world”, as he hoped during pre-season. At St James’ Park his men were outfought and outclassed by a team with a more coherent tactical plan.

Both sides may have uncertain fates in their respective Champions League groups, but Newcastle look a look more likely to return to the competition next season. Howe has turned his team into one of the best counter-pressers in the Premier League; whenever Manchester United thought they had regained possession, there was a black and white shirt charging in looking to win it back.

This is what it is like playing newly monied and highly motivated Newcastle United. They, too, are in the midst of an injury crisis, but when their replacements come in they have a clear idea of what their job is and how it relates to everyone else on the team. When Ten Hag changes one player for another, the setup changes drastically.

There are fewer collective safety nets to protect United players — each man has to fend for himself, while Newcastle hunted for the ball in packs. The Dutchman may say his team attack as 11 and defend as 11 in press conferences, but it does not bear scrutiny on matchday. Kobbie Mainoo, 18 and making his second Premier League start, had to cope as a single defensive midfield pivot as Scott McTominay was tasked with making late arrivals into the opposition penalty area.

The United manager is right to say he has been dealt an unsatisfactory poker hand this season, but he’s been playing what resources he has available to him badly.

Ten Hag will hope that things will improve in the new year when Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and others return from injury, but his team could fall behind in the race for the top five by then. December fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool could heap further pressure on a manager who is losing goodwill among his fanbase.

For Newcastle, this win takes them up to fifth in the league table. They may have a scrap with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur to keep it. However, as showcased on Saturday, they quite enjoy a physical duel.

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