When Manchester United visited St. James' Park in April, Newcastle were surprised to see David de Gea hesitant with the ball.
De Gea was ponderous when in possession and Newcastle, a team who ferociously press opponents, could smell blood. The hosts pushed high up the pitch in the final third and an experienced, senior goalkeeper looked increasingly vulnerable.
Newcastle made building from the back an arduous task for United and Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinz became frustrated, with De Gea unable to bypass the high press with his passing, which meant aimlessly playing it long.
