BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas has heaped praise on Newcastle centre-back Jamaal Lascelles after his battle with Man United striker Marcus Rashford.
Man United won their fourth game on the bounce after new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come in, but Jenas said his best bit of the 2-0 win was the battle between Lascelles and Rashford.
Talking on Match of the Day (Wednesday, BBC1, 10.45pm) Jenas said, “I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by Newcastle. There were things they were getting right last year under Benitez, I’m never convinced they’re going to score at the minute.
“The best thing about the game was the battle between Jamaal Lascelles and Marcus Rashford.
“It was unbelievable. Lascelles really had it on him tonight, I don’t know what it was but from minute one he thought this guy’s a problem, Marcus Rashford, and I’m going to deal with him.
“He was physical but the beautiful thing about Rashford is that he doesn’t hide.
“Lascelles was right on the edge though… Other referees would have sent him off.”
OPINION
Lascelles got away with a bit on Wednesday night at St James’ Park but fans love his no-nonsense approach and he kept Rashford quiet for the first-half with some robust challenges. However, United are on a charge at the moment and Rashford had the last laugh when he scored the second goal of the night after being put through by Alexis Sanchez. The big problem is that Newcastle never looked like scoring. As soon as United scored the result was never really in doubt. Christian Atsu had Newcastle’s best chances but couldn’t finish and Salomon Rondon completely messed up his one big chance of the game. Benitez refused to talk about transfers after the game but he really needs to bring in someone who could score and make goals. Miuguel Almiron has been heavily linked but it looks like the deal could break down over money, again. It’s the story of Newcastle at the moment.