The dejection at the final whistle for Sir Alex Ferguson was there for all to see at the end of the game after Man United were held by Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Ferguson’s bitter history with Newcastle is well documented with the Scot accused of winding up Kevin Keegan in 1996 when United were on the brink of the title - a moment that led to the “I would love it” rant by the Messiah.
Fergie was on hand to present Ronaldo with an award for his 700th career goal which came at Everton last week. Given Man United could have done this on Thursday against Omonia it felt like Fergie’s presence was part of the ploy for the home side on the day.
The ex-Scotland boss was booed by Newcastle fans but thankfully from a Toon point of view his attempts to rouse the Stratford End didn’t pay off. If Sir Alex feels the need to get involved on a match day Newcastle must be doing something right!
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The lucky escape for Newcastle in the second half
Fabian Schar nudged the ball back to Nick Pope after Newcastle were awarded a free-kick in the second half. Quick thinking Ronaldo then tried to cash in on the moment before taking the ball around Pope and slotting it into the empty net.
Incensed Man United players surrounded referee in the hope of getting what they saw as a legitimate goal. And then it was down to Craig Pawson’s interpretation of the situation which thankfully went the way of the Magpies.
The moment had spats of Jonjo Shelvey at Sheff United in 2019 when he played on after the Blades thought play had stopped. As far as Pope was concerned it had memories of Fabian Barthez who once tried to fool West Ham’s Paolo Di Canio at this very venue.
Both Shelvey and Di Canio were successful in playing on but thankfully Pawson’s call was that the majority of Newcastle players were under the impression the ball was dead.
Newcastle stop the rot at Old Trafford
Visits to this venue are usually difficult days for Newcastle United’s loyal fans. Selling out the away end - which holds 3,000 - is never a problem but the effort of the supporters is usually not matched with the players on the field.
That couldn’t be said this time with the 0-0 draw the first point on the board for Newcastle since 2015. United had lost five games in a row and conceded 18 goals along the way. This was a welcome point for the Magpies and another step forward for Eddie Howe.
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