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Former Newcastle United player Kevin Mbabu was one of the best players in the park, although he conceded a penalty and his Young Boys team lost 3-0 at home against Manchester United.
At first glance, this may seem odd, but the penalty and score were tough for the 23-year-old Swiss defenseman who excelled in his group stage debut in the Champions League.
It is fair to say that Mbabu has matured a lot in the 12 months since it left St James Park.
During the last period, he helped the Young Boys win their first league title in 32 years and received their first international cap. Although he missed the Swiss World Cup team after being excluded from the preliminary 26-man squad, he started the new season with a goal in the Champions League qualification.
In the first match, Mbabu had to have a tough night while José Mourinho threw Anthony Martial on the left wing. Frustrated by his lack of luck at Old Trafford, the Frenchman had a big point to prove.
But it was Mbabu, linked to a trip to the Red Devils during the summer that proved to be the biggest point, shone on a huge stage and will surely compete for a return to England in the near future.
Mbabu had a fantastic night in both defense and attack. His turns and precision centers caused trouble for Man United all night, as he defended Martial, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford throughout the night.
The biggest moment of the match he attended came just before the break.
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Luke Shaw hit a first volley that hit Mbabu at close range. His arm was at his side and the decision to award a penalty was extremely hard. Pogba sent him for his second and United match.
But that did not discourage Mbabu in the night.
Martial was ready to be submerged, such was his lack of influence in the game before he got the third. Mbabu could not do much about it. He attacked the attack while the Young Boys attacked, but he was neglected in the middle of the field, allowing the Mourinho team to get along with a four-on-three advantage. Martial sealed the tie.
Despite this, Mbabu can take a huge credit. He had a fantastic evening and it is fair to say that there will be a lot of interested parties based on this performance.
His departure to Newcastle United
The back has officially left Newcastle United in the summer of 2017, joining the Swiss team after a loan of one season.
Initially, the loan was considered a good opportunity for the defender, but Rafa Benitez, the boss of Toon, was not convinced by the young defender. He ratified the sale for a modest price.
He made five appearances for the Magpies, notably for his Premier League debut against Chelsea where he scored Pedro out of the game.
(Image: PA Wire)
So will Mbabu go down like the one who escaped?
His farewell message certainly hinted that he would have liked to stay.
At the time, he wrote, "I will never forget my professional debut with the team. It was a special moment.
"I can still feel the atmosphere when I played for the first time at St James' Park.
"You, the fans, were and still are just amazing.
"I was proud to wear the black and white jersey and I gave it everything whenever I had the chance to play for this club.
"I would have liked to give you more, but the wounds and new opinions were different.
"I want to warmly thank all Geordie fans for their wishes and support. I will remember all the sincere messages you sent me.
"Now I'm turning a page. But I will never forget, the best fans in England.
On the basis of this evening, Mbabu has a great future in front of him. Here are some selected highlights.
Kevin Mbabu highlights vs. Man Utd
2 minutes
Mbaba handles well the first threat of Anthony Martial. While the Frenchman tries his tricks, Mbabu stands firm and applies the plating to prevent him from getting into the box.
5 minutes
Mbabu shows his attacking nature with a fantastic leap forward. Man Utd midfielder Fred is struggling to keep pace with his back.
8 minutes
Mbabu delivers a fantastic ball into the surface that was hosted by Guillaume Hoarau. He beat Victor Lindelof in the air, but he went away.
18 minutes
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Anthony Martial has some space on the left but Mbabu is out of it and blocks his center with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford waiting in the box.
19 minutes
Commentators discuss Mbabu's brief career in Newcastle and mention that he has been heavily screened by Premier League clubs. Martin Keown says, "This is a big stage for him and he is clearly a talented boy. He started this game well and he has won his fight against Martial so far. "
21 minutes
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World Cup winner Paul Pogba intends to move forward. As he dribbles in comes Mbabu to overpower the Fenchman and win the ball. He is everywhere up to here.
29 minutes
Pogba tries to get the ball away with Luke Shaw galloping. Mbabu again with a big sliding tackle to stop the attack.
35 minutes
Pogba GOAL – A bit against the Manchester United race requires 1-0 thanks to Paul Pogba. However, Mbabu could not do anything about it. Without him, United was working the ball from the left wing and Pogba's great skill gave him room for a nice finish just inside the surface.
38 minutes
The ball went from Pogba to Shaw. The left-back beats his man, but while he is about to trigger the trigger, Mbabu meets him and produces a timely lock.
43 minutes
Mbabu concedes a penalty! – It was very hard. Shaw meets a long ball on the fly. He hits his arm on Mbabu but he is at his side and it is certainly not intentional. It's very hard.
44 minutes
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Pogba GOAL – 2-0 Man Utd. The odd slow climb, then it hits the upper right corner. After a good first half, it's hard for Mbabu.
52 minutes
Martial receives the ball on the left wing and moves away from two young players. It looks booming but Mbabu does not let it go away. A remarkable pace and strength allows Mbabu to make a very good tackle.
54 minutes
Rashford on the left wing now, but even he can not overtake Mbabu who wins the ball and continues his own attack.
55 minutes
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Martial GOAL – Not a lot of Mbabu can do, despite the fact that it's his man who scores. Mbabu went ahead while the Young Boys were in possession. They unfortunately gave up and Man Utd broke. He was four to three in favor of the visitor and Martial is finally played to score. 3-0.
72 minutes
Another dangerous ball in the center of Mbabu forces Smalling into a cumbersome defensive head to prevent the hosts.
88 minutes
Major interception at the Mbaba rear station while the ball is low. Lukaku was hidden behind, so it was so important that he got there. He was then quickly on the ground to help counterattack. The ball is played on the wing but his center is blocked by Shaw. Huge calls for a penalty. It looked a lot like the penalty he conceded in the first period but nothing was given.
90 minutes
Mbabu is still here. Advance again and float through the box, but it is too wide.
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