CRISTIANO RONALDO will struggle to nail down a place among Erik ten Hag’s starters after a toothless showing in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
The Manchester United ace, 37, headed into the game off the back of scoring his 700th club goal in his last Premier League outing.
However, he struggled against a physical Newcastle side who tracked him well.
His second half display was much better, and he thought he had snuck a goal in but it was ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo was then booked for knocking the subsequent free-kick into the back of the net, claiming a Magpies defender took it.
And with Anthony Martial returning from injury, and Marcus Rashford returning to form, CR7 may find himself back on the substitutes bench with the younger pair offering more energy up front.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Luke Shaw, meanwhile, will not be feeling the heat from his competition, Tyrell Malacia.
The England international was solid defensively and provided good support going forward.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will be encouraged by his display heading into the Qatar World Cup next month.
However, Southgate can’t do with another one of his full-backs picking up an injury on the eve on the tournament.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rated the Red Devils.
David de Gea – 6
Came under fire early on with Newcastle on the front foot.
Strong from corners in the first half and was composed while under pressure.
Was largely untested in the second half.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Not very active going forward but he was a busy boy defending.
Held his line well alongside his fellow defenders.
Raphael Varane – 5
Was lucky not to give away a first-half penalty for stepping across Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
Much better in the second half, especially when clearing the danger.
Was booked for a rash challenge.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
The Argentine was aggressive when hunting the ball down.
Gave away some needless fouls putting his team-mates under pressure.
Luke Shaw – 6
Spent most of his timed pinned back but when he did get forward in the first half he got a shot off.
His low effort was saved by Nick Pope.
The more active of the full-backs when getting forward.
Casemiro – 6
Almiron caused the big-money signing some problems.
Very assured in possession, however, and completed most of his passes attempted.
Played a lovely outside the boot cross into Rashford at the death.
Fred – 6
The more active of the two midfielders with international team-mate Casemiro sitting in front of the United defence.
Missed a golden opportunity with three minutes to go, firing wide of the post.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Played a good ball in behind the Magpies’ backline in the first half to find Jadon Sancho.
Had a shot of his own before the break but his effort was headed clear.
Antony – 6
Ballooned a shot high and wide mid-way through the first 45.
Showed some flair, flicking the ball over Dan Burn’s head and drawing a foul.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Showed some good footwork at times but largely struggled to impact the game.
Thought he had won a second half penalty after seemingly being clipped.
VAR took a look and decided against handing the Red Devils a spot-kick.
Ronaldo – 5
Was barely involved in the first half despite United holding most of the possession.
Had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half but was offside.
Was booked for kicking the subsequent free-kick back into the net, claiming a Newcastle player took it.
Toothless. Was subbed with 20 to go.
Subs
Marcus Rashford (for Ronaldo, 70) – 6
Helped carve out the best chance of the game for United.
Read More on The Sun
The second half substitute rounded the keeper and squared the ball to Fred, who swept the ball past the far post.
Headed wide of the post right at the death when he really should have at least hit the target.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
