Alan Shearer names ‘standout’ Newcastle United player vs Manchester United - thoughts?

The Toon ace bagged a stunning brace to take his tally to eight for the campaign. Barnes followed up a strike at Leicester City with two against the Red Devils in a dominant 4-1 victory.

Question marks and debate have surrounded Barnes since his £38million move from Leicester almost two years ago. He arrived just months after Anthony Gordon joined and both players have competed for Newcastle’s left-wing spot.

Injuries and form have seen Gordon given the nod more often than not but Barnes has produced when selected. Gordon’s suspension and injury picked up while on England duty has given the 27-year-old an opportunity - one he is taking with both hands.

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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle icon Shearer named Barnes as the “standout” performer at St James’ Park. There was also praise for midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

“Obviously, Harvey Barnes was superb,” Shearer said. “I thought (Sandro) Tonali in the midfield, Bruno (Guimaraes) was running the show. The midfield was just too strong for Man United.

“There were plenty of good performances for the standout, without a doubt, was Barnes. He sums Newcastle up at the minute. Whether it was injury, form or if Anthony Gordon was playing, he couldn’t get in.

“Gordon goes out, he comes in, scores and does really well. I listened to his (Barnes) interview after the game. He’s in a good place and long may that continue.”

Shearer also noted how the feel-good factor around Tyneside is translating onto the pitch as Eddie Howe’s men aim for Champions League qualification. He added: “I’m in a great mood, it’s been a really good day. Newcastle were much the better team. Man United, particularly in the second half, couldn’t live with the intensity, pace and power of Newcastle.

“They kept insisting on playing out from the back and that suited Newcastle down to the ground. They really were much the better team and deserved the three points. The atmosphere was brilliant, as you could imagine. It’s a good place to be playing your football at the minute, St James’ Park, I promise you that.”

Alan Shearer on Tino Livramento’s position change at Newcastle United

Makeshift left-back Tino Livramento continued to shine, with some questioning whether the position change suits him. The 22-year-old has deputised on the opposite flank since Lewis Hall’s season-ending injury at Anfield in February.

“Playing at left-back, he’s aggressive isn’t he?” Livramento said. “And he’s really quick. One v one, there’s not many that go past him. The way he went past Dalot for Barnes’ goal, the second goal and the way he whipped that ball in was fantastic.

“He did something similar at Leicester. He’s in a really good place as well, as are a lot of Newcastle players.”

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