Alan Shearer praises key Manchester United trio after Newcastle victory

Alan Shearer picked out Bruno Fernandes, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford as key performers in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory away to Newcastle.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needed a reaction after the Tottenham humiliation before the international break and got exactly what he wanted in a dominant display.

It took the Reds 85 minutes to take the lead at St James’ Park, but the following two goals were a reflection of the control Solskjaer’s men had throughout.

Solskjaer had to get creative with his team selection with Anthony Martial, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood all ruled out, but his decision to use Rashford as a lone striker supported by Fernandes, Mata and Daniel James was justified.

Mata, Fernandes and Rashford were all involved in the goals and Shearer reserved special praise for the trio who showed a ruthless cutting edge.

“I thought Fernandes and Mata were so clever,” Shearer told Match of the Day, as quoted by the Sport Review. 

“They stood in those little pockets, in those holes, and Newcastle couldn’t handle it.

“They were just too good on the ball and showed so much creativity. Those two on the ball, they can punish teams and they caused problems all evening.

“Rashford was excellent as well with his goal and two assists. The weight of passing from United was brilliant.

“You have to say well done to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the debacle against Tottenham.”

The intelligence of movement and quality of Fernandes and Mata working in tandem is a pleasure to watch and Rashford stepped up as the lone frontman.

Donny van de Beek, who was unfortunate not to start, also deserves credit for changing the game after being substituted on.

The Dutchman’s intuition started the move for the crucial second goal which will undoubtedly prove to be one of United’s best team goals all season.

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