Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was left in disbelief after seeing both Fred and Marcus Rashford miss guilt-edge chances to secure all three points late on against Newcastle. With Tottenham winning on Saturday evening and Chelsea on their way to three points against Aston Villa, United were under pressure to keep tabs on their top-four rivals.
They were always going to face a tough test against an in-form Newcastle side who had scored nine goals in their previous two matches. Eddie Howe’s side had also frustrated Manchester City earlier in the season, picking up a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
But goalmouth action was few and far between at Old Trafford on Sunday with neither goalkeeper tested too often. That changed in the closing stages when United stepped it up to try and find a winner.
Fred wasted an opportunity in the 89th minute after being played through by Rashford with only Nick Pope to beat, but the Brazilian midfielder missed the target altogether. The best chance of the game though fell to Rashford in the final seconds as he found himself in space inside the box, only to spurn his header wide of the post.
Ten Hag wasn’t too disappointed after the match, but it was clear that he felt either Fred or Rashford should have found the net for the hosts. “The performance was good, a clean sheet, we pressed well, we controlled the game and in stages we were good on the ball – especially in the second half,” Ten Hag told Match of the Day.
“Then, we dictated the game and in the end we could – we should – have scored the winning goal. One from Fred, and then [Marcus] Rashford had to score. In the end we could have got the win, we deserved the win, and it is a big compliment to the team that we deserved this with a physical performance against one of the most physical teams in the league.
“They [Newcastle players] all had cramp and we kept going. The team understands from front to back we cooperate together. We are hard to beat and we must keep that going.”
Jamie O’Hara was commentating on the game on Sky Sports News and he took aim at United’s recruitment and the money they had spent on Jadon Sancho and Antony. The former Tottenham midfielder also noted how Cristiano Ronaldo was furious at being brought off for Rashford with 18 minutes remaining.
And he was commentating live when Rashford missed his “sitter” in the dying seconds. “No wonder Ronaldo is fuming coming off because they’ve ain’t created a chance since he’s walked off the pitch,” O’Hara said.
“Honestly, what I’m watching and the money they’ve spent on Antony and Sancho is ridiculous. They are miles off it Man United.
“They’ve got one more chance here, last chance. They’re in the box….. he [Rashford] should have scored! He’s missed a sitter.”