MANCHESTER UNITED survived an early blow to bounce back off the ropes and beat Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Toon midfielder Matty Longstaff handed the visitors a surprise lead on manager Steve Bruce’s return to his former club.
The 4-1 result was a welcome one for Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Reuters
But an Anthony Martial double, a ruthless strike from Mason Greenwood and a Marcus Rashford header saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s blushes to keep his side in seventh place.
The visitors were in raptures when the homegrown midfielder converted the opener on 17 minutes, playing a one-two with Joelinton before firing past David De Gea.
But the lead only lasted seven minutes before a howler from Toon ‘keeper Martin Dubravka handed Martial an equaliser.
The Frenchman received a pass from Andreas Pereira and a gift from the visiting goalie as he palmed the tame shot into his own net.
Anthony Martial celebrated a Boxing Day doubleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Greenwood then put his side into the lead on 36 minutes, again after a Newcastle player presented him with a late Christmas chance.
Fabian Schar was sloppy in possession and the Old Trafford teen smashed a shot that grabbed a deflection before clipping the bar and bulging the net.
The comeback was confirmed when Rashford got in on the act, the England ace headed home a pinpoint Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood notched in the comeback winCredit: AFP or licensors
Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return from injury at half-time, replacing Scott McTominay and he had a chance straight after the break that sneaked wide.
But Martial was on hand to make up for his compatriot’s miss, rifling in on 51 minutes to sour the festive mood on the Tyne.
No Manchester United player has scored a Prem hat-trick since 2013 but Martial went painfully close when a rasping drive pinged the foot of the crossbar, on the hour.
Matty Longstaff performs injecting celebration to show he has ‘ice in his veins’ as he stuns Man Utd AGAIN for Newcastle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
