11 Surprising Stats From Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle United

4 - Interceptions Made By Vurnon Anita, Although He Completed Just One Successful Tackle

One area that Steve McClaren may have been concerned by on Saturday was Newcastle's double-pivot in midfield. Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback seemed to struggle, particularly in the opening 20 minutes, to get close to Juan Mata or Adnan Januzaj, allowing the Man Utd duo far too much room to work in. Looking at Anita's stats, the diminutive Dutchman did manage to complete four vital interceptions and make two important clearances, but he attempted just one tackle. Although he was successful with that tackle, these stats suggest that, rather than harrying an opponent and dispossessing them in close proximity, Anita prefers to read the play and intercept the ball once a pass is made.