Manchester United player ratings: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side cruise to four wins in as many games after 2-0 Newcastle win

MANCHESTER UNITED'S players had their toughest game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's management at St James' Park.

United won 2-0 at Newcastle with two second-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford enough to see off Rafa Benitez's men.

Newcastle had the better chances in the first 45 minutes despite United having the lion share of possession.

There were goals for Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford as Alexis Sanchez made his first appearance since November.

Here are how the players rated on Tyneside...

David De Gea

Called into action for the first time 12 minutes in with two straight forward saves of Atsu, but was barely tested after that.

Antonio Valencia

Had limited opportunities to attack down the right wing, but for a player deprived of game time this season the club captain was not caught cold in defence.

Phil Jones

In for Eric Bailey who was suspended, Jones looked hesitant on the ball in the first 15 minutes, even losing getting caught on the ball but he made a super tackle to recover.

Victor Lindelof

Read the ball well a handful of times to see out dangerous attacks of Newcastle, lead the back line confidently.

Luke Shaw

Made a good tackle with Ayoze Perez through on goal but a poor touch from the Newcastle player made it easier for the full-back.

Caught out of position a few times in the second-half as the Englishman played a more advanced role.

Nemanja Matic

Looked to work well with Herrera as the two worked as a pair tracking back and pushing forward an equal amount of time. However, Matic would occasionally drop back on the attack and slot in as a defender allowing the full-backs to go forward.

Ander Herrera

Closed down and pressed well with Matic, but did not get to go forward and influence the attack as much as he has down previously.

A disciplined defensive performance for the midfielder.

Juan Mata

Played in his unfavoured wide position but he looked to get involved with passing centrally as he did his most effective work on the ball in the middle of the park coming in from the wing.

Romelu Lukaku replaced the Spaniard and 40 seconds later opened the scoring.

Paul Pogba

A quiet first-half in the No 10 role but a more lively second 45 minutes as he looked to get on the ball and create space for his team-mates.

Anthony Martial

A rare quiet game with the Frenchman lacking urgency and attacking threat.

He was caught on the ball a couple of times and closed down.

Predictably replaced by Alexis Sanchez.

Marcus Rashford

Watched closely by Newcastle captain Lascelles who was bullish in the first-half not giving Rashford much time or space.

The England star was reverted to the wing after Lukaku came on with 25 minutes remaining, and scored Untied's second after being put through by Sanchez.

SUBS

Romelu Lukaku

Scored within 40 seconds after Dubravka spilled from a Rashford free-kick but the Belgian’s awareness and reactions proved vital.

Alexis Sanchez

Put through Rashford for United's second as he showed great awareness and composure to slot the Englishman through on goal.

Jesse Lingard

Rested on the bench today following a good run of performances, however, he came on with three minutes remaining.