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United started this game at home against Newcastle United, hoping to reclaim their second spot again from Leicester who won earlier in the day. Both teams needed the three points but only one team can get it.
Rashford tried to force his way into the box in the 2nd minute of the game but he was unable to hold his ground and the ball went for a goal kick. Not long after, Joelinton tried to manoeuvre his way in the box but Maguire's feet saved the ball from going anywhere. Good efforts from both teams so early.
Newcastle United got their first corner in the 4th minute and the ball fell to Shelvy whose slip still produced a dangerous ball into the box. De Gea punched and it fell to Joelinton, whose shot was blocked for another corner by Lindelof. Newcastle United showed they didn't come to Old Trafford to play. They wanted that gap to increase so as not to be dragged into a relegation fight as Fulham trailed them at the back. They are just ahead with 3 points over Fulham.
Newcastle United kept pressing high and it worked to great effect when a wayward pass from De Gea found Joelinton, who selflessly laid it to Jonjo Shelvey but he skied his effort far wide and not handsome.
United had a free kick in the 12th minute and Fernandes tried to find Maguire at the back of the post but the goalkeeper gathered cleanly. Not long afterwards, James got another freekick but it was taken short. United hasn't threatened much up to this point while Newcastle United has been all over the place.
James' low cross from the side of the box was easily gathered by Darlow. Any slip from that, Martial would have tucked it home. It was a clean gathered by the goalkeeper.
United got the goal their dominance deserved when Maguire found Rashford who had a lot to do in beating Krafth before running into the box. He drifted in and beat the goalkeeper at his near post. It was a lovely and smart effort by Rashford for his 18th goal of the season.
Saint-Maximin had a decent strike in the 34th minute after Martial headed clear into his path. De Gea pushed it over for a corner. The resulting corner was taken and a cross came into the box which Maguire also headed into the path of Saint-Maximin. He wasted no time and he carefully side-footed his shot into the roof of the net. Game on, 1-1.
Fred had a shot in the 40th minute to give United the advantage again but his effort was easily gathered. The half time came to a close and the scoreline was 1-1. Both teams had their chances but they could only go into the break with a goal apiece.
Saint-Maximin seems to be pouncing on loose balls from United. Another Fred headers clearance fell to him and he hit a lovely shot which De Gea saved easily though.
United got their lead back and Daniel James justified his inclusion with his 5th goal of the season when Rashford found Matic, whose ball for Fernandes missed him but he got a touch and it fell to James. He hit his shot and it found the back of the net. 2-1.
Darlow came to the rescue when Martial used his strength to wade of the defender and his powerful strike was saved for a corner kick. Rashford had a shot of his own in the 64th minute but the goalkeeper saved it. United throwing everything at Newcastle to keep the lead and not be pegged back again.
James got a corner kick for United and a brilliant ball was delivered in which Fernandes got a flick on to the back post but there was no one to connect with it in the 71st minute, much to his disappointment.
Rashford won a penalty in the 74th minute after Willock got a slight touch on him in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take it. He had a penalty saved earlier in the season and it was the same Darlow that saved it. This time around, he wasn't to be denied and he extended United's lead to 3 goals with a classy low bottom corner finish that sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
In the 80th minute, James got a corner which was taken before Shelvy got a touch for another corner kick. Shaw's corner kick was brilliantly headed by Maguire but Darlow saved for another corner. The third corner kick in quick succession was delivered but Maguire headed wide.
United held on to their 2 goals advantage to win 3-1 at the end of the final whistle. Newcastle United has now lost 8 times in their last 10 games. They are still 3 points ahead of the nearest rival on the table which is Fulham. Manchester United is back into second place but still 10 massive points behind their 'noisy neighbours' and level on points too with Leicester City who earlier won against Aston Villa.
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