Manchester United title hope was dealt a heavy blow today as the Manchester side lost to Newcastle. The red devils dropped three points today at the Saint James Park as Matt Ritchie’s 65th minute goal was enough to gift struggling Newcastle 3 points which push the magpies to 13th position 2 points clear of the fierce drop zone. The defeat meant that Jose Mourinho will have to wait till next season to cast out his demons over the magpies as the manager is yet to win at the Saint James Park despite 7 Top flight visits.
Newcastle began in a dominant manner as the Magpies tested De Gea within 5 minutes of the first interval. United started getting a grip of the game after half hour mark but failed to penetrate the host with only shot on target by Jesse Lingard. United should have gone ahead before the break with Anthony Martial. Martial was released on goal by Nemanja Matic but the Frenchman wasted the glorious chance of putting Manchester united in the lead by firing the ball straight to the incoming Dubravka. Newcastle had a penalty appeal rejected after Dwight Gale was caught Chris Smalling. Sanchez had the best opportunity of the game in the 56th minute to gifted united a lead in the game but saw his goal bound effort cleared by Lejeune after he had rounded Dubraka. The miss proved crucial as the host took the lead 9 minutes later from an indirect free kick after Smalling dive near the half-way line. Jonjo Shelvy sent a long box into the united 18 yard box, Gayle cushioned the ball to Ritchie who converted from 12 yards. Jose Mourinho in response made substitution in bid to salvage something from the game but the Newcastle stood firm to secure all 3 points.
Jose Mourinho in his post-match reaction complimented that the home team who he believed fought like animals. The Portuguese admitted that a defensive error gifted the magpies win adding that the team came with the intention of grinding out a draw. The win takes Newcastle to 13th position and 2 points above relegation zone. Manchester united on the other hand is now 16th points behind League leaders Manchester City and stands a risk of dropping out of the top 4. Mourinho might not say or express it but the Portuguese knows that Saint James Park is fast becoming a reference point in his managerial career. A record he might need to work on.