Ralf Rangnick's aspect trailed to Allan Saint-Maximin's fascinating early aim and had been out-played for lengthy periods at St James' Park. But Cavani got here off the bench to bag his first intention on account that October in the 2nd half of, ensuring Rangnick avoided his first defeat in 4 video games as United's period in-between manager.
United remain in seventh place in the Premier League, seven points in the back of fourth located Arsenal with video games in hand. Rangnick had won his first league games since taking up from the axed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however neither performance turned into mainly convincing and this become some other underwhelming attempt.
United did have the excuse of the Covid outbreak that pressured them into a 16-day length of inactiveness considering they gained 1-0 at Norwich on December 11. Their video games against Brentford and Brighton were postponed, with the membership's schooling ground close for four days. But irrespective of the coronavirus chaos, Rangnick will understand United must enhance dramatically if they are to secure a top 4 end.
Second bottom Newcastle ended a three-game losing streak, leaving them factors from protection after the maximum encouraging display of Eddie Howe's eight-in shape reign. However, the sight of Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson limping off with injuries was a first-rate blow for Howe, who has received just as soon as considering the fact that replacing the sacked Steve Bruce.
Although their Covid state of affairs has improved, United nevertheless were not capable of go back a totally clean bill of fitness after Sweden defender Victor Lindelof tested superb on Sunday.
Raphael Varane returned from injury to update Lindelof, however United seemed rusty after their enforced lay-off and Newcastle took advantage to grab a seventh minute lead. Varane carelessly gifted possession to Sean Longstaff and he picked out Saint-Maximin.
The French winger showed his mesmerising dribbling ability as he shimmied past Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire before guidance a fierce strike beyond David De Gea from the edge of the location. Newcastle have been a actual danger at the counter and Jonjo Shelvey broke from the midway line for a 25-yard rocket that De Gea pushed away.
United struggled to make any effect within the first 1/2, their lethargy encapsulated a Cristiano Ronaldo miskick that drew a mocking roar of pleasure from the Gallowgate End. The traffic had been creaking and Wilson had the ball within the net from the inspired Saint-Maximin's pass, handiest for an offside flag to curtail the striker's celebrations.
Rangnick spoke back with the aid of sending on Sancho and Cavani for Fred and Greenwood at 1/2-time. Crucially, Saint-Maximin should have scored with a close-variety effort that lacked the strength to overcome De Gea.
