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Newcastle United booked a place at Old Trafford by knocking out Manchester City at St James’ Park in the previous round. However, Eddie Howe’s side travelled to Manchester with plenty of injury concerns which forced the head coach into making eight changes for tonight’s game.
Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Joe Willock and Matt Ritchie all made their first competitive appearances of the season whilst youngsters Ben Parkinson and Amadou Diallo were named on the bench.
Despite an early setback when Matt Targett went off injured, the Magpies responded brilliantly and took the lead through Miguel Almiron after some brilliant work by Tino Livramento.
Lewis Hall’s first goal for the club doubled their lead in front of a jubilant away following. Here are the player ratings from the first-half at Old Trafford:
5. Lewis Hall - 8
Played at left-back following Targett’s early substitution. Was very bright going forward and took his goal superbly with a lovely volley into the bottom corner. Was very solid defensively as well before being replaced by Dan Burn after 74 minutes. A very promising display. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Joe Willock - 8
Made his first start after appearing off the bench in their last two outings. Made some driving runs from midfield that caused lots of trouble. Booked just minutes into the second-half for a foul on Amrabat. Tucked the ball home superbly for Newcastle’s third in his last action of the game before being replaced by Bruno Guimaraes. | Getty Images
7. Sean Longstaff - 8
Wore the captain’s armband on his 150th appearance for his boyhood club. Took a whack after Hannibal caught him late. Helped control proceedings and had a great effort flash narrowly wide. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Joelinton - 7
Very energetic performance in the middle. Did superbly to win the ball back for Willock’s goal. Booked with ten minutes to go. | Getty Images