If it was supposed to be the day Alexander Isak made his debut, the £60m man, the statement of intent, the manifestation of Newcastle’s buying and pulling power instead stared on from the stands. United’s attention was eventually diverted to the crowd-pleasing talent already in their ranks and, with explosive panache, Allan Saint-Maximin extended their unbeaten start to the season.
As Eddie Howe was without his two premier strikers, with Callum Wilson injured and Isak awaiting a work permit, the Frenchman instead offered a reminder that, even in the darkest and dullest of days under Steve Bruce, he offered the prospect of entertainment. His goals may be too infrequent but a first of the season was memorable and magnificent, a sweetly-struck volley that flew past Jose Sa.
