Statistics showed that Manchester United hadn’t lost a home league game on Boxing Day since 1978. Moreover , in Premier League history, Manchester United had won more games (20) and had a higher win percentage (80 per cent) on Boxing Day than any other side in the competition. Meanwhile, Newcastle United had lost more games on the day than any other side (13). The Magpies managed by former Red Steve Bruce were also in search of their first double over Man United since the 1930-31 season.
However, although Newcastle started brightly, and even went ahead, they were no match for Manchester United who went four up and proceeded to control the game, Mason Greenwood being only the fourth teenager to have scored in consecutive home matches for the Red Devils in the competition, following Ryan Giggs (1993), Wayne Rooney (2005) and Federico Macheda (2010).
My Man of the Match has to be Anthony Martial. Following a slow start he started to get involved in all United’s attacks and scored his first ever brace in a home league game for Manchester United, with this his 62nd appearance at Old Trafford in the Premier League. He was even unlucky not to get his hat trick around the hour-mark, his shot from well outside the area rattling the upright.
United have now moved up to 7th place, four points below Chelsea who are 4th, the latter being surprisingly beaten at home by Southampton. Spurs and Sheffield United stand between United and Chelsea so United have to not only continue winning but also hope for slip-ups by the teams above. Wolves can also overtake United if they beat City tomorrow. United play Burnley (away) in just a couple of days time.
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