Manchester United player ratings: Daniel James and Luke Shaw shine vs Newcastle

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Daniel James of Manchester United celebrates with Anthony Martial after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on February 21, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League as they defeated Newcastle 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were far from at their best against the Magpies but regain second place in the league after Leicester City beat Aston Villa earlier on Sunday.

Here are our player ratings:

David de Gea

Woeful clearance luckily unpunished as Shelvey blazed over. Made two good acrobatics saves but could do nothing to deny Saint-Maximin. 6

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Couldn’t make offensive impact and given tough test by Saint-Maximin but dealt with the explosive forward well. 6

Harry Maguire

Shaky during some moments in first-half and clearing header fell to Saint-Maximin for equaliser. Improved after the break and almost scored. 5

Victor Lindelof

Maguire looks more comfortable alongside Bailly and there will be a clamour for that pairing to be used in a week’s time against Chelsea. The Swede was fairly solid this evening, however. 6

Luke Shaw

Drove forward at most opportunities as he provided United’s main outlet in first-half. Delivered dangerous crosses and relatively untroubled defensively. 8

Nemanja Matic

First league start since the Sheffield United defeat and offered no impetus before involvement in James’ goal. Solskjaer’s hand was forced by injuries but it is clear his pairing with Fred is not sustainable. 5

Fred

Imprudent in possession and not effective alongside Matic. Occupied same positions as his Serbian partner and too predictable for large periods but improved as United cut loose. 5

Bruno Fernandes

Frustrated for large periods and fortunate touch fell straight to James. Barely involved but still scored his 22nd of the season and got an assist. 6

Daniel James

Surprise inclusion and busy with and without the ball despite lethargy of teammates. His second goal in three days was taken with conviction. 8

Marcus Rashford

Took initiative to score wonderful solo goal, his 18th of the season. Always dangerous if not decisive. 7

Anthony Martial

Could not provide a focal point in first-half as United failed to sustain any attacking pressure. Finally made an impact on the hour mark as he forced a good save but belatedly substituted. 4

Substitutes

Mason Greenwood

Should have been brought on earlier for Martial. 6

Juan Mata

15 years older than his fellow substitute Shoretire. 6

Shola Shoretire

What a moment for the 17-year-old as he was brought on five minutes from time. 6

READ MORE: Video: Bruno Fernandes steals assist for Dan James goal to put United ahead

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