A lot of Newcastle United fans have reacted to Joelinton’s performance in the Toon’s 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old has received a lot of stick from many Newcastle fans this season.
Still, against the Red Devils, Joelinton was a lively presence and created the Toon’s only goal with some fine footwork and awareness to find Matty Longstaff who slotted in his second goal of the season. (0:30)
Who should be Newcastle's starting striker?
Joelinton
Carroll
The performance of the Brazilian received praise from these Toon supporters.
Joelinton started this match pretty well & contributed to both of #nufc's big chances on the break. But he, like Newcastle in general, has faded badly. Is isolated up front, to be fair, but is standing with his hands on his hips at the moment in the centre circle
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) December 26, 2019
Easily our best player today. Can’t criticise hide dropping the level at this time in the game when the rest of the team have crumbled.
— Kris Wallace (@KrisWallace87) December 26, 2019
Ironically it’s been his beat game in ages
— Stewart (@costanza55) December 26, 2019
He’s got nothing to work with @ChrisDHWaugh – by far and away our best player today and looked comfortable playing in a front two
— Leazes News (@LeazesNews) December 26, 2019
Only player I’d give plus marks tonight!
— Rikki (@RTL2311) December 26, 2019
He’s been our best player by far
— Matthaus (@GeordieDubravka) December 26, 2019
Other Newcastle fans, though, feel bad for Joelinton as he is often isolated upfront.
Isolated up front every game, wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to leave in January, asked to do a completely thankless job up top.
— Southern Magpie (@southern_magpie) December 26, 2019
Genuinely don’t get what he’s meant to do tbh. Our football is diabolical and he’s left isolated every time he plays up top, even more so than when Rondon was here. He’s probably thinking wtf have I got myself in to and genuinely can’t blame him.
— Mark Douglas (@markattias) December 26, 2019
What do we think?
Joelinton, who is valued at £27 million (as per Transfermarkt), is Newcastle’s record signing and has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, but against Manchester United, he turned in his best performance since he scored at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in August.
Andy Carroll has emerged as Steve Bruce’s preferred striker in the past few weeks, but Joelinton’s display may well have given Bruce something to think about for the next few games.