Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United: 5 tactics from Solskjaer that won the game

#4 Alert midfield

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League

Even though he opted for the same three men in the middle from the Bournemouth game, the players were extra alert on the night to the threat of the opposition. In fact, they were perhaps a little too wary of the opposition. Matic, especially, was culpable of giving too much respect to the opposition and his rampant forward passing from the previous game was absent.

Herrera did look lively as always, and also slotted in effectively between Jones and Lindelof to provide added stability. The Spaniard also dictated the play well from the deep and sent in a couple of great through balls that the forward players could not capitalize on. However, he was also guilty of sitting a little too back and his manager could be seen urging the Spaniard to get ahead because United missed his wiz in the first half.

Even though the midfield did not have their best day while going forward, they still created enough chances and also dominate the middle of the park. By setting up his midfield to be alert, the Norwegian had won the battle in the middle of the park and had guided his team to 3 points.