10 Things We Learned From Newcastle Vs Southampton

9. Vurnon Anita Is Out Of His Depth In The United Midfield

Another thing we learned during the first-half is how much of a danger Vurnon Anita can be while United are in possession. The little midfielder needlessly gave the ball away on a number of occasions, which could prove hazardous as McClaren looks to implement a more progressive passing brand of football at St James' Park. Steve is looking for Vurn to be the pivot in his midfield, the man who recycles the ball from defence and sets Newcastle away on attacks, but the Dutchman proved this might not be the wisest of moves. To be fair to him, Vurnon wasn't all that bad during the game, in fact he showed glimpses of the animalistic display that saw off West Ham United on the final day of last season. However, as he looks to prove the doubters wrong, he'll have to do a hell of a lot better when the ball is at his feet. Although, his man-marking of Sadio Mane cannot go unnoticed. The game noticeably changed when little Vurn when off as the Senegalese international found himself with a lot more room in behind a rusty Cheick Tiote.