Manchester United’s game against Newcastle at St James’ Park is predictably goalless at half-time.
Steve Bruce’s side have come closest to scoring when Matty Longstaff hit the bar with a thunderous volley.
United have yet again been laboured in attack and have rarely threatened the Newcastle defence.
Despicably, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side did not have a shot on target in the opening half hour but should have taken the lead through Harry Maguire.
The centre-back missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring with a free header inside the six yard box. It was the best chance of the game and one you would have expected the England international to put away given his attacking threat from corners.
NEXT:Ryan Giggs identifies number of players Solskjaer must sign at Man Utd
A rare positive for United in another abject first-half is the defensive efforts of the new look partnership of Harry Maguire and Axel Tuanzebe.
The youngster has come in for Swedish international Victor Lindelof, who was ruled out with an injury sustained in the goalless draw against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
Tuanzebe has arguably been the best player for the Reds, dealing with Brazilian striker Joelinton with ease.
Let’s hope the Reds can step up the intensity in the second-half and secure a much-needed away victory.
Maguire And tuanzebe been rock solid and maguire almost scored and got a last ditch tackle
— Paul(suspended at 800 followers) (@ClinicalMason26) October 6, 2019
Tuanzebe bullying Joelington is the only positive.
— Anand MUFC (@EnjoyHerrera) October 6, 2019
Tuanzebe going to keep Lindelof out of the team 😍
— . (@RyanH17_) October 6, 2019
Lindelof shouldnt ever start provided tuanzebe is fit #NEWMUN
— daudi cheda🇺🇬 (@iamdaudi7) October 6, 2019
The best centre back pairing is Maguire and Tuanzebe. The best midfield trio we have is Lindelof as dm with Pogba and Fred as the 8s. Whynot try it?!
— Black Dynamite (@perryblack1) October 6, 2019
I prefer this Maguire & Tuanzebe partnership much more than Lindelof & Maguire
AWB. Tuanzebe. Maguire. Dalot
That’s how we should regularly line up
— ManUTDsRevival (@ManUTDsRevival) October 6, 2019
I know Maguire missed an absolute sitter but him and Tuanzebe have been very good today. Only positives
— George (@LindelofEra) October 6, 2019
Tuanzebe is a beeeaast!!! I don't think Lindelof will retain his spot.
As for Young, he should stay far far away from the ball. Even Maguire is trying so hard not to pass it to Young.
— ⚫Save Our Women⚫ (@Be_MelaninBlack) October 6, 2019
Axel Tuanzebe the one shining light for Utd in that 1st half. #NEWMUN #MUFC
— Ally Olphert (@AllyOlphert) October 6, 2019