After a shambolic performance against Swansea seven days earlier the prospect of winning a point against the Red Devils seemed like a huge ask but the Magpies defended courageously and could have even won the game.
Aleksandar Mitrovic even had a couple of chances for the Magpies on his full debut, but in truth it was Newcastle’s defence that starred in Manchester
Florian Thauvin made his Newcastle debut off the bench as Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini in particular kept the Red Devils at bay.
McClaren who made Coloccini his captain two days before the start of the season was full of praise for his defender.
Post-game the Toon boss said:
“I think you saw out there [Coloccini] was the leader.
“But from one to 11 and the subs you have to defend well and you have to do your job
“Concentration is the key thing because I’ve been there when you lose it and you lose the game at the end.
“We kept our focus and could have won it the end.”
Inside the first 10 minutes, Man Utd averaged more than 70% possession and the Red Devils’ passing fluency ensured Newcastle struggled to get any sort of foothold in the game whatsoever.
McClaren added:
“I thought Colo and Taylor and Tim Krul were excellent, they were immaculate.
“They kept us in the game in the first 20 minutes and the last 10 minutes.
“You have to defend well and they showed their experience.”
Newcastle host Northampton Town on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup and face Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday. (12.45KO)