Man Utd ratings: Casemiro shows Red Devils need to move on from him in summer but Mainoo is rare bright spot
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KOBBIE MAINOO'S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat. Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford. Noussair Mazraoui was caught out on the right flank on both occasions and United's hapless midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled to keep up with play.
![[Casemiro had another night to forget at Old Trafford]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/casemiro-manchester-united-reacts-premier-960639014.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Mainoo, who started the match on the bench, solved the midfield crisis quickly after his 33rd minute introduction. Casemiro was fortunate not to be ahueld off at that point, as Ruben Amorim instead sacrificed Old Trafford boo boy Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has not had a happy time of things since his summer move and he barely completed a pass against Toon.
![[Joshua Zirkzee was taken off after just 33 minutes]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-manchester-uniteds-joshua-zirkzee-960636072_789c40.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
That being said, few players in a red shirt covered themselves in glory as several vyed for the worst performer label. Here is how SunSport's Kealan Hughes rated the United display. Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
![[Kobbie Mainoo made a big impact after he replaced Zirkzee]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afc96acd-7900-45d4-8616-e4db342fab8a.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses. Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
![[Harry Maguire came closest to scoring for Man Utd with a header]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/harry-maguire-manchester-united-misses-960641541.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
