Newcastle United ‘monster’ stars v Man United as £63m duo make statement ahead of Arsenal - five things

This was another ‘I was there’ moment for Newcastle United fans in a season of ‘I was there’ moments.

Following on from the San Siro heroics, championing Manchester City in round three, that night v PSG - and now, 7,000 Geordies were in the red half of Manchester to see the Magpies fell the Red Devils on their home patch for only the second time since the 1970s.

And if they’re to make the semis, they’ll have to do it all again at Chelsea! Yes, draws have not been the kindest to Newcastle United this season.

So, against Manchester United, how did they do it - and what were the main talking points? Here’s NewcastleWorld’s take.

Joelinton - the midfield monster

We all know about his physicality, his powerful running and forward contributions, but when backs were to the wall, Brazilian midfielder Joelinton showed his defensive steel.

He was a midfield monster, winning every ball into the Newcastle box, as well as the physical battles with a shell-shocked Manchester United unit. Casemiro couldn’t get far enough away from his compatriot. Erik Ten Haag said it was injury that saw the midfielder left in the dressing room at half time. I think we all know it was more than that!

Full-backs run riot

On the right was a big, strong, athletic runner with an eye for spaces to eat up and a tackle or two in his locker. On the other side was a highly-skilled left-foot technician with an eye for a pass - and a goal.

For two lads who’ve not seen a lot of football, the performance, in a high pressure situation and environment, from Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall was outstanding.

Both proved they belong at this level and in this company, despite not being used much at all by Eddie Howe. Long may their progress continue - and hopefully we see a whole lot more from the two of them.

Hal’s performance and goal was all the more impressive after his difficult full debut against Manchester City in the previous round.

Anthony Gordon - the answer to the third striker role?

Anyone who watched the Under-21 Euros and England in the summer will know Anthony Gordon is more than at home as a central striker. He’d never done it for Newcastle, though, so there was always going to be doubt.

However, he looked brilliant up top with clever movement, showed himself as a pressing machine and even showed some cuteness for the third goal, blocking Harry Maguire for Joe Willock to put the icing on the cake.

Every box ticked - bar another injury!

Howe got his selections absolutely spot on. Every player managed to get a rest, of sorts, whether that be when taken off, in Gordon, or brought on late in the likes of Kieran Trippier.

The players who barely make the matchday 20 stood up and were counted. Newcastle will need more of this as the games continue to come thick and fast.

Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett, as well as Matt Ritchie, really showed their worth on the night.

It’s a shame that Matt Targett added to Howe’s injury woes. It’s not been United’s season when it comes to cup draws or injuries this season!

Do it the hard way!

Draws haven’t been kind to Newcastle United this season, whether that be in the Champions League or the Carabao Cup. Man City, Man United, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have now been followed by, you guessed it, a nice easy trip to Chelsea in the last eight.

If Newcastle are going to do it this year, they’re going to have to do it the hard way! You definitely wouldn’t bet against them, though.