Alan Shearer blown away by Alexander Isak’s work ethic vs Man United

Add as preferred source on Google

Alexander Isak did not continue his scoring run on Sunday, but he was still fantastic in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Eddie Howe chose Isak to start for the third game in a row, leading the line after his goals against Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old is now the first choice striker at Newcastle, and it was hoped that he could be the difference maker against the Red Devils.

That did not prove to be the case, with Joe Willock and Callum Wilson scoring the goals to lift the Magpies above Manchester United and back into the top four.

But while he did not score, it was still an impressive performance from the Swede, and one that delighted Toon legend Alan Shearer.

Alan Shearer impressed with Alexander Isak once again

Shearer has heaped praise on Isak for his performance against Man United in his latest column for BBC Sport.

“What’s really important is that Howe has got options now too, which he has never really had at St James’ Park before,” he wrote.

“Alexander Isak, for example, has missed a big chunk of this season through injury but now he is back fully fit and Howe has a decision to make about who to play up front.

“Isak got the nod over Callum Wilson to start against Manchester United and put in an unbelievable shift, which included him helping to make Newcastle’s first goal through his pressing and work-rate as United tried to play out from the back.”

Isak provides more than just goals

He came close on a couple of occasions, but Isak still played brilliantly despite not being able to find the net. He stretched the Man United defence time and time again, and caused Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane countless problems with his speed.

The record signing is perfectly suited to Eddie Howe’s pressing style – he is proving to be the complete striker with a combination of work rate and goals.

Isak was the provider on Sunday, and played a pivotal role in the Magpies’ opener. It was his neat touch and smart through ball that led to Bruno Guimaraes’ cross. He then found Allan Saint-Maximin, who headed it back across goal for Willock to break the deadlock.

But it was largely down to Isak’s invention and composure around the box. He was excellent on Sunday, and Shearer is right to single him out for praise.