Newcastle vs Man United: Tonali goal from ‘beautiful’ Isak assist gives Bayindir nightmare start… but Garnacho levels

Newcastle won the fixture 2-0 at home on December 30

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Turkey and Man United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir conceded 24 minutes into his Premier League debut as Sandro Tonali’s volley put Newcastle ahead at home to the Red Devils on Sunday.

Turkiye international Bayindir was making his top-flight bow in place of established first-choice Andre Onana, who made mistakes for both goals United conceded in their 2-2 draw at Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.

There was little the former Fenerbahce regular could have done as Tonali met Magpies top scorer Alexander Isak’s lofted pass in emphatic fashion to find the far corner of the net from inside the box at St James’ Park.

Tonali goal vs Man United ‘beautiful’

“What an assist from the man who’s now congratulating him,” former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith said of the goal, speaking on Sky Sports. “It was beautiful to watch if you’re a Newcastle fan.”

Entering the match on a four-game winning run in all competitions, the hosts knew victory would move them a point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand.

Newcastle continued to boss the first half after going ahead, with Tonali shooting narrowly wide from 25 yards and Bayindir stopping Isak’s volley.

Garnacho finish ‘easy’ vs Newcastle

After Dan Burn directed a header on to the roof of the net, Newcastle’s dominance came to an abrupt end when Alejandro Garnacho equalised against the run of play, striking in the culmination of a rapid break.

“It’s a devastating counter attack,” Smith said after the winger’s second goal in 20 league games. “Garnacho makes the finish look easy.”

Andre Onana: Amorim explains decision

United manager Ruben Amorim asked the broadcaster to “see the context” when he was asked about out-of-form Onana before kick-off.

“Sometimes you have to push the player and sometimes you have to disconnect,” he explained, adding that Onana will train as usual on Monday.

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“I think he was OK [with the decision] because I explained. You don’t need to like [it], but you understand. The mental aspect is important. It’s just one game. Tomorrow is new life.”

United kept their second clean sheet in 13 matches in all competitions with a draw at home to Manchester City last Sunday. They will fall to 14th if they lose to Newcastle.

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Ben Miller

Ben has more than 10 years' experience in sports journalism, covering two EURO tournaments, European club competitions, the Premier League, EFL and WSL and a variety of other major sporting events.

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