Joe Willock sends message to Allan Saint-Maximin after beating Man Utd

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Allan Saint-Maximin justified his place in the Newcastle United starting XI with a scintillating performance against Manchester United.

In the previous game against Nottingham Forest, Saint-Maximin was forced off with an injury problem. The Newcastle winger was largely ineffective at the City Ground, and it led to questions over his inclusion on Sunday.

But he shook off his fitness woes to start on the left of attack against Man United, and produced a glorious display full of skill, speed and trickery.

There was also an assist for Saint-Maximin, who created plenty of chances on Sunday. He headed it back across goal for Joe Willock to score Newcastle’s opener.

The Frenchman was also agonizingly close to three more assists. He picked out Sean Longstaff on two occasions, but the midfielder’s efforts both went narrowly wide. Saint-Maximin also fed Willock in the first half, but he blazed an effort over the bar – much to the shock of ASM and Alexander Isak.

It was a great performance from Maxi, who has since been praised by Willock on social media.

Joe Willock’s Instagram message to Allan Saint-Maximin

After the game, Saint-Maximin posted a video to his official Instagram account of some of his highlights against Manchester United.

The video received a reply from Willock, who wrote: “Silencing the haters everytime.”

There has been a lot of talk about Saint-Maximin’s form this season. He has either been injured or struggled to truly influence games.

But we are starting to see more and more from the 26-year-old, who played really well on Sunday. He justified his selection, and looked like a player who can go onto thrive in Eddie Howe’s side.

He worked hard off the ball, while he was also decisive in the final third. There were fewer pointless tricks and flicks. While he was still at his skilful best, it had a purpose. He created plenty of chances, while he also looked much more comfortable running at full speed.

That made him a real danger, and hopefully he can follow it up with another good display against West Ham on Wednesday. If he does, the haters will continue to be silenced.