Newcastle 0 Manchester United 1 player ratings: Just how bad was Angel Di Maria?

A look at the individual performances at St James' Park

Ashley Young celebrates the winner for Manchester United against Newcastle (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United managed to escape St James' Park with all three points thanks to a late winner from Ashley Young.

In a performance that epitomises Manchester United's season, they displayed more ruthless pragmatism as they scraped past Newcastle in an uninspiring match that was short on chances.

United dominated the possession in the first half but didn’t manage to register a single shot on target. Newcastle played a deep back line and were happy to absorb the pressure as United looked toothless in the final third.

The first half was mired by an incident between Johnny Evans and Cisse, who both appeared to spit at each other following a tangle on the floor.

Taylor was quick to separate the two players, but both could face suspensions if the incident is reviewed by the FA panel.

The second half saw more chances fall for United, but they were denied by Tim Krul who was faultless for 85 minutes.

But then the Newcastle keeper made an error that would decide the match.

Newcastle looked like they had done enough to earn a goalless draw, before a comedy of errors involving three Magpie defenders and a woeful pass from Krul led to the simplest of finishes for Young. He couldn’t miss from such close range, and despite a late flurry from the home side, Manchester United walked away winners.

Here, we take a look at the individual performances at St James' Park.

Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.