Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Matt Ritchie and Joe Willock were handed their first starts of the 2023-24 campaign, while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall made only their second starts since arriving from Southampton and Chelsea, respectively, in the summer.
Newcastle were without eight first-team players prior to the game and it quickly became nine less than two minutes in when Matt Targett was forced off.
His replacement, Miguel Almiron, opened the scoring in the 28th minute. The Paraguayan latched onto a ball by Livramento before aiming the ball past Andre Onana in the Man United goal. The Magpies then doubled their lead 12 minutes later as Hall volleyed into the bottom corner.
The hosts introduced Sofyan Ambrabat and Aaron Wan-Bissaka at half-time but any momentum was killed when Willock added a third on the hour-mark.
Rarely troubled throughout the evening. Made one decent save to deny Mason Mount from distance. Distributed the ball well.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings from Old Trafford.
Electric down the right. Summed up his qualities in one move by winning the ball off Alejandro Garnacho, sprinting past three players to assist Almiron’s opener.
Marked his return from 12 months out with an ACL injury with perhaps one of his best performances in black and white.
His Man City performance wasn’t just ‘rolling back the years’. The Geordie defender was once again a rock at the back at Old Trafford.
Looked confident from the off. Defensively sound and provided an attacking threat. Fantastic finish for his first goal in NUFC colours.
Captained the team on his 150th appearance for Newcastle. A relentless showing, but it’s rare he doesn’t provide that. Inches away from marking it with a special goal, too.
A midfield machine that covered every blade of grass at Old Trafford. Won so many defensive headers and tackles, one that set up Willock’s goal. The Brazilian is definitely back to his best.
After five months out, you could see the emotion on Willock’s face when he made it three. Brilliant display. Stretched the Man United defence.
His first start since January and quietly went about his business. Contributed to an outstanding team performance.
Forced off less than two minutes in as Newcastle’s injury problems persist.
An emergency option? He didn’t play like one. Led the line superbly. Drifted onto either wing and caused problems.
Sent the travelling Geordies into raptures by opening the scoring. Grafted.
Battled the two Man United centre-halves.
Helped United control the midfield in the latter stages and see out the game with relative ease.
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Yahoo Sport 
