Progress? Not quite. Here’s Liam Kennedy’s player ratings from the 90 minutes at Craven Cottage, with Jonjo Shelvey the pick of the Magpies’ bunch in West London. Merit marks for the likes of Federico Fernandez, Joe Willock (obviously), Sean Longstaff and Matt Ritchie – but not for Allan Saint-Maximin.
5. Paul Dummett – 6
Accurate with his short and long range passing. Gives a perfect balance to the back three. Photo: GLYN KIRK
6. Matt Ritchie – 7
Full of energy and quality. Linked the whole left side brilliantly. Photo: Pool
7. Jonjo Shelvey – 8
Showing a real level of commitment in the last two games of the season and for the first time in a long while is actually putting in the hard yards to justify his selection. Probably United's man of the match. Photo: Marc Atkins
8. Sean Longstaff – 7
A combative return to the side playing on the left of the central midfield three. Working very hard to keep the Cottagers at bay. Photo: -