Newcastle 3-4 Portland Timbers 2 – NUFC Match Ratings

2. Gael Bigirimana - 4.5/10

Gael Bigirimana got a full 90 minutes in the United first team under his belt, which has to be seen as a positive considering the last two years of his career. However, Steve McClaren picked the midfielder at right-back again, which limited his contribution to the game. The Burundi-native tried his heart out but offered very little to United going forward, while he was all at sea for Portland's fourth goal. All-in-all it was pretty solid display from Bigi as he did link up well with Moussa Sissoko down United's right a number of times during the game. Although it would be great to see him given a start in his preferred position of centre-midfield, however, as a number of Newcastle's other options in the middle of the park failed on the night...