Manchester United returned to swashbuckling form today despite going behind early, thumping Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford.
The Reds were boosted by the return of Paul Pogba, taking his place in the centre of the park alongside Nemanja Matić, while Victor Lindelöf partnered Chris Smalling in his first Premier League start, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on the bench after a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury.
But it was Rafa Benitez’s side that took the lead early on, Dwight Gayle capitalising on a slip from Lindelöf to fire past David de Gea via the post. It was a shock to United’s system, and they responded in fine style.
Pogba floated a ball to the back post for the equaliser, where Anthony Martial beat his man in the air to head past Rob Elliot. The second was more of the same, Ashley Young being the provider this time for Chris Smalling to power his header past Elliot on the stroke of half-time.
Pogba then turned goalscorer in the second half, tapping home after some good work from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, before Lukaku ended his seven-game goal drought for United, smashing the ball home from close range after a neat one-two with Juan Mata.
The game meandered to a close, but there was still time for a grand return for Ibrahimovic, who was given a rapturous ovation by Old Trafford as he replaced Martial in the 77th minute. Welcome back, Zlatan.
Here are the player ratings from Old Trafford:
