System switch, new boys shine & Manquillo rises to occasion – Liam Kennedy's SEVEN Newcastle United takeaways

The Magpies faithful were handed a rare treat at the London Stadium as goals from Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick – both on debut – saw Steve Bruce’s United claim all three points on the first day of the Premier League season.

But what can Bruce take from it, apart from the obvious? Here our writer Liam Kennedy picks out SEVEN takeaways from the 2-0 victory in East London.

System switch – did it work?

Steve Bruce went ambitious with his team selection and stuck two up top and went with 4-4-2. On the day it worked perfectly as Andy Carroll complemented Wilson perfectly.

The goalscorer said it himself: “He is a great help, a big lad, takes the attention away from me, working on the shoulder and that's where I want to be. He is great in the air and gives us a platform."

Will it work every week? Probably not, but at least Bruce has options this campaign. Let’s be honest he had none last.

Manquillo impresses

He’s a player that most fans want to replace – even I’ve called for a right-back to come in recently – but Javier Manquillo was up there with Wilson for man of the match on the day.

He created the opener with a little jink and cross and was a constant threat down the right, especially in the second half.

He lacks confidence in the final third compared to a DeAndre Yedlin, but is much better defensively – and a whole lot more consistent. Long may it continue.

You can see why West Ham wanted Hayden

The Hammers have long been linked with a move for Isaac Hayden – and the United midfielder showed them exactly why he is so valued.

Hayden broke up the play at will with his well-timed slides and perfectly judged interceptions.

The new contract will finally put an end to any talk of a departure. Hayden is now a crucial part of the United machine.

Hendrick graft impressed more than the goal

The Republic of Ireland international did little of notice with the ball in the opening 45. He more than made up for that in the second half.

The work, the hassling, the covering – every bit of it helped United keep things clean when under pressure.

A very encouraging start for Hendrick.

The missing piece of the puzzle

Wilson is this.

United never had a striker to run the channels, get on the end of things, occupy defenders. Last season they never had a striker with movement, with pace, with threat.

If they lacked it in 2019/20, they’ve got it ten-fold in 2020/21.

Wilson was a revelation and on this evidence, at that price – £20m – he looks an absolute steal.

A proper poacher’s goal.

Finally, strength in depth?

Ryan Fraser and Matt Ritchie didn’t even get off the Newcastle bench against the Hammers – having that kind of strength in depth is not something associated with United in recent years.

Lewis balance

Allan Saint-Maximin did little to cover him defensively but fellow new boy Jamal Lewis was still impressive at both ends last night.

He was given a lot to deal with in the opening 45 defensively but really warmed to the task in the second. His forward bursts added a real fresh dimension to United’s attacks down the left.

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