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MANCHESTER UNITED brushed aside an early scare to move up to seventh and just four points behind Chelsea in fourth.

Matthew Longstaff stunned the hosts with the opener but a series of defensive howlers saw the visitors capitulate.

 Mason Greenwood scored a stunner to fire United ahead
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Mason Greenwood scored a stunner to fire United aheadCredit: PA:Press Association

Anthony Martial came within whiskers of a first career hat-trick while Paul Pogba was full of running and trying to impress.

Here, SunSport's Richard Forrester gives his player ratings on a faultless day for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

DAVID DE GEA - 6

Nothing to do apart from the goal which he had no chance with.

AARON WAN-BISSAKA - 8

His crossing has been criticised at times but it was an outstanding delivery for Rashford's goal.

Defensively solid once again by using his pace to make up for any slight errors.

HARRY MAGUIRE - 7

Didn't cover himself in glory for Newcastle's first when he failed to deal with Joelinton's physical presence.

But was faultless with everything else that came at him including a lovely piece of skill in the second half to get United out of trouble.

VICTOR LINDELOF - 7

Did little wrong but could have taken a few more risks in an attacking position.

Didn't need to get out of second gear in the second half and his partnership with Maguire is being allowed to develop.

LUKE SHAW - 7

Can't produce the same energy as Wan-Bissaka but managed to get forward plenty of time in the second half and link up with Rashford.

Kept possession well and is thriving off a regular run in the first-team. Now just needs to maintain his fitness.

SCOTT MCTOMINAY - 5

Picked up a booking after just 28 seconds and was lucky not to have received a second yellow in the first half.

Not his finest appearance and was subbed at half-time in favour of Paul Pogba.

Also appeared to pick up an ankle knock.

 McTominay didn't have his best day at the office
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McTominay didn't have his best day at the officeCredit: Getty - Contributor

FRED - 6

The Brazilian lost possession in his own half and it proved costly for Newcastle's opener.

Didn't do much wrong for the rest of the contest but was given a relatively easy afternoon against Newcastle's midfield who were happy for him to have the ball.

Sat in a deeper role when McTominay went off but maintained his energy in the middle of the park.

ANDREAS PEREIRA - 7

Couple of wasted strikes in the first half when United had possession in dangerous areas.

Was unselfish by playing it into Martial's path for United's first of the night but was often found guilty of playing the wrong final ball.

Full of energy and never shied away from a challenge.

MASON GREENWOOD - 7

A stunning goal by a very special player.

Barely had a sniff until he capitilised on Schar's error to smash home United's second with an unstoppable strike.

Drifted in and out of the match but always gave the feeling he will bury any chance he gets.

 Marcus Rashford climbs highest to head in United's third
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Marcus Rashford climbs highest to head in United's thirdCredit: Reuters

MARCUS RASHFORD - 8

The England striker is in brilliant form and he showed it once again when he latched onto Wan-Bisska's brilliant cross.

It was his 11th league goal of the campaign - his best return in a campaign.

Quieter second half before being subbed off for Lingard on 63.

ANTHONY MARTIAL - 9

Anonymous for the first 25 minutes until his strike beat Dubravka at the near post to draw United level.

Took advantage of Longstaff's howler to grab his second of the night and fourth league goal of the campaign.

Unlucky not to score a hat-trick when his strike cannoned off the post in the second half. His performance will do his confidence the world of good.

 Martial produced a match-winning performance
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Martial produced a match-winning performanceCredit: Reuters

SUBS

POGBA (ON 45) 7

Definitely tried to make a statement against a beaten side with driving runs from midfield.

Looked fit and willing to impress which is all you can ask for from the Frenchman.

Had a couple of efforts that either went wide or were well saved.

LINGARD (ON 63) 5

Was given a golden opportunity to further punish Newcastle but looked like a player short of confidence.

MATA (ON 67) 6

Opened up Newcastle's defence with some smart passes but was allowed so much space and time.

Game was already over when he came on so was allowed to coast through until the final whistle.

Matty Longstaff performs injecting celebration to show he has ‘ice in his veins’ as he stuns Man Utd AGAIN for Newcastle

 

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