Watching the Manchester United vs Newcastle game, as a neutral, was enjoyable. Not only did it expose the growing list of United frailties but it also emphasised how much David Moyes needs to strengthen the centre of his midfield. One man who could fill that void is Cheick Tiote, who ran the clash between the two sides when they met yesterday.
The Ivorian is a bullish player who loves to get in the face of his midfield opponents and throw himself into tackles. He covered an incredible amount of ground during his time on the pitch and was snappy when going into challenges.
Tiote went in for five tackles in the 90 minutes and also made four interceptions, so it’s no wonder that the Red Devils failed to really control the game.
Despite his short, stocky frame he also won both the headers that he went up for and he chipped in with a clearance deep into his own half.
It was the way he kept the ball rolling that impressed spectators, though. He completed 66 passes of the 73 he attempted which is a completion rate of 90%.
Tiote is a strong, forceful player who likes to take the game to his opponents and is exactly what United need to sharpen their midfield, in my eyes. Hopefully Moyes took notice.