10 Things We Learned From Sheffield United 2-2 Newcastle

3. McClaren's Desire To See His Full-Backs Attack Is Refreshing - But It Leaves The Magpies Vulnerable

Steve McClaren and his assistant Ian Cathro are determined to allow both full-backs the licence to bomb forward down the flanks and add extra bodies to the attack - that is very much their philosophy. Although this has made Newcastle so much more of a threat going forward - with both Massadio Haidara and Daryl Janmaat loving the added freedom they have been given - it also makes the Magpies susceptible to the counter attack. On several occasions against Sheffield Utd, just as was the case in the other pre-season friendlies, Newcastle were caught by pacey attacks, with both Haidara and Janmaat struggling to get back from advanced positions, leaving space in behind. With Newcastle's midfield failing to cover the space, and Mike Williamson simply inept at positioning himself to counter-act the potential danger, Haidara and Janmaat will need to ensure they get themselves back to cover more quickly so that the Magpies are not as easy to pick off on the break. Had Sheffield Utd had Premier League strikers playing, and not the League One options on display, then Newcastle could easily have conceded five or six as a result of quick counter attacks.