Oh So Close...

The vultures were truly circling after a hapless performance against Sheffield United. It seemed as though it was Van Gaal's last chance at getting things right. As Manchester United lined up to play Newcastle, there was a certain amount of angst. The match started poorly for United, Newcastle dominated the play and looked threatening. It seemed as though Newcastle would take the lead until, Fellaini headed the ball off of Mbemba's arm and earned a penalty for United. Rooney stepped up and slid the ball into the bottom right corner. 1 nil United. At this point the game shifted for United. We started to play better and took control of the game. Not long later, Rooney set up Jesse Lingard who stroked the ball into the Newcastle goal. 2 nil United. For much of the first half, United continued to dominate. Then, just before the interval, Wijnaldum broke into United's box and scored to bring the score to 2-1. The referee blew the whistle for halftime and most United fan's found themselves pleased with an exciting performance. The second half was very much like the first, United controlled the game and held Newcastle at arms length. Then, in the 66th min, Newcastle United were awarded a dodgy penalty that Aleksandar Mitrovic consequently dispatched. 2-2. With 15 minutes left, the match looked like it was decided. Until, Captain Fantastic Wayne Rooney rifled a goal into the top left corner from 25 yards. 3-2 United!!! United then went on the extend their lead. Memphis Depay was brought on from the bench and set up Fellaini with a stunning cross, but the big Belgium could only head the ball straight at Newcastle's keeper. As time winded down, Newcastle started to put serious pressure on the defending United. Crosses filled United's box and we were fairly sure that we could hold on for the three points. Then. It. Happened. In the 90th minute with seconds left, the Newcastle full back, Paul Dummet, struck a shot from the edge of the box that ended up in the top corner via a deflection. We then watched in dismay as Newcastle experienced pure ecstasy. The referee blew his whistle and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Utter Dismay.