MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Fred and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United discuss a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Fred and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United discuss a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Fred and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United discuss a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Miles Starforth's Newcastle United player ratings – with Jonjo Shelvey the pick of the bunch for the Magpies

Newcastle United huffed and they puffed, but they could not blow down a solid Crystal Palace side to make it five without victory at St James’s Park.

Jonjo Shelvey’s early strike was quickly cancelled out by two quickfire Eagles strikes, which ultimately ensured the three points headed down to South London with Roy Hodgson & Co.

But how did the Magpies’ players perform on the day? Was it a continued improvement from the Everton win, or was it more of the same from Steve Bruce’s men?

Our man at St James’s Park, Miles Starforth, picks out five of United’s front five for praise, but performance levels dropped in the back four.