In his first Premier League start, Yoshinori Muto was mightily impressive.
The Japanese forward was paired with Ayoze Perez at Old Trafford, with Joselu dropping to the bench. It was the first time Newcastle had played without a target-man all season, and my word did it work.
Muto got his first Newcastle goal against Manchester United, firing past David De Gea with a neat and powerful finish.
The summer signing could have made it a brace, had it not been for a brilliant save by the Red Devils’ sensational Spaniard.
Muto must keep his place in the team
While the Magpies didn’t win, they certainly found a new way of attacking. With pace going forward, Newcastle were able to get in behind of Manchester United.
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Had Joselu or Salomon Rondon played, this wouldn’t have been possible.
The latter has missed the past two games due to an injury, and the Chronicle have reported that Rondon likely won’t be fit to start against Brighton.
Whether the Venezuelan is fit to start or not, it shouldn’t matter. Muto does not deserve to lose his place in the starting XI.
While you could argue that Ayoze Perez should drop to the bench, you just know that won’t happen. But Perez looked much better alongside Muto, therefore the pair should get another chance to play together against lesser opposition.
Rondon hasn’t really taken any of his chances so far in black and white, whereas Muto did exactly that before the international break.
The 26-year-old should be rewarded for this.