Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle United
After a frustrating first day back at the office for defending champions Manchester United against Newcastle, Goal.com’s Chris Myson analyses the performances from both sides after the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar - 6.5: Did not have much to do for long periods of the game, questionable decision to punch the ball in the build up to the corner that led to Newcastle’s goal.
Wes Brown - 6.5: A quiet game for Brown, not as prominent as he can be going forward and is set for a good battle for the right-back berth with returning captain Gary Neville this season.
Rio Ferdinand - 7: A steady performance from Ferdinand. United were not tested too much in a defensive sense, but the England international kept his focus and made one excellent challenge on N’Zogbia as Newcastle broke on the counter.
Nemanja Vidic - 7: Like his defensive partners, Vidic put in a solid display today. The back four will not be a problem area for United this season and the quartet who played today had no real problems. Came close with a header, which bounced on to the bar.
Patrice Evra - 7: An energetic performance on the left for Evra. Showed more attacking promise when he moved to the left wing later in the game and put in one excellent cross for Campbell. Could have done better in possession during the closing stages, however.
Darren Fletcher – 7.5: A very busy day for Fletcher. Guilty of losing Martins for the goal but made up for it two minutes later with an excellent near post run and low finish. Looked confident on the ball as the game progressed.
Michael Carrick - 6.5: Neat and tidy performance from Carrick before being substituted through injury in the first-half. Not enough time to influence the game.
Paul Scholes - 7: Full of effort, work-rate and energy despite his advancing years. Slightly off target with his long range shooting but proved that he can still dictate the game at the top level with some exquisite passing.
Ryan Giggs 7.5: Looked more threatening than he did for much of last season. Surprised the Newcastle back-line by showing some good pace at times and crossed well for Fletcher’s equaliser. Taken off due to a knock and United did not look the same after his departure.
Fraizer Campbell - 7.5: Must have thought he had scored early on before Given somehow kept out his header and gave a performance that shows real promise. Quick, confident and could be a player who plays more often than many thing to add another element to the United attack.
Wayne Rooney – 7: Looked lively despite missing the end of pre-season. Still drifting out to wide areas too often to influence the game as much as he could and needs to become more selfish if he is to score in big numbers this season, but a decent start for him.
Substitutes: O’Shea 6.5, Possebon 6, Rafael 5.5.
Newcastle United
Shay Given - 8: Coped admirably with the United onslaught in the early phases of the game. Somehow kept out Campbell’s header and made a super double save to deny Rooney and then Scholes. Stayed alert in the second half despite not having too many key saves to make.
Habib Beye – 6.5: Didn’t see a huge amount of Beye in an attacking sense but was disciplined in defence along with his colleagues. Could have a big season if he can repeat some of the form displayed last year.
Steven Taylor – 7: Played reasonably well to kick off what will have to be a big season for him if he is to progress and become a top defender. Was off the pitch when Fletcher scored receiving treatment for a knock.
Fabricio Coloccini – 7: The new £10.3 million signing would have expected a much sterner examination from the United defence than he received today. Still to gain full match fitness but will be pleased to get through his first test unscathed.
Charles N’Zogbia – 7: One of the players who showed ambition to get forward throughout the match, which contributed to Newcastle nullifying the United threat more comfortably. A couple of careless challenges, but a good all-round display.
James Milner – 7.5: Milner had a strong performance on the wing for Newcastle and underlined his importance as one of their key players. A threat throughout getting forward and should get better and better with experience.
Nicky Butt – 7.5: A very good display by the combative midfielder against his former club. United did not create a large amount of chances and much of the credit for that must go to Butt who was the unsung hero in the holding role.
Danny Guthrie – 7: An efficient midfield performance from Guthrie on debut. More to come from him but if he can focus on his game he could become for Newcastle what Carrick is for United - an excellent passer of the ball who supplements the side’s flair players superbly.
Damien Duff – 6.5: Been given another chance at St. James’, and is capable of becoming a key player if he gets a run of games. Didn’t get into the game today but worked hard and didn’t let anybody down.
Jonas Gutierrez – 7.5: A signing who should excite the Toon faithful. Quick, great on the ball and positive - with an eye for a pass - could prove to be an excellent addition for Kevin Keegan this season.
Obafemi Martins – 8: Had a powerful shot just minutes into the game and from that point onwards it was clear that he was focussed and set for a good display. Found space well for his headed goal and worked hard as the lone striker, stretching the United defence and keeping van der Sar alert with the occasional long-range effort.
Ref Chris Myson - Goal.com
