Sandro Tonali knows | OneFootball

The first time Sandro Tonali played for Newcastle United in summer 2023, in the pre-season Sela competition at St James’ Park, he received the ball under pressure in his own box.

The Italy international’s control was instant, his pass forward instantly calming.

I remember saying to my kids, “wow, did you see that?”

No hammering the ball, just simplicity, and that comes from being able to read every situation half a second quicker than “normal players.”

Sandro Tonali gets credited with being everywhere, not just because of his engine, but because he knows where to go.

He is some player.

Two things especially stood out on Sunday for me from his excellent individual performance.

The run he made at the end of the game, 70 yards and manyoo substitutes giving up on the chase behind him.

He is some athlete. Didn’t he record the fastest sprint of any player in our Champions League 2023/24 season?

The other thing, my favourite thing, is shown in this image below.

For the fourth goal, Bruno hadn’t even controlled the ball to be ready to shoot and yet Sandro Tonali had his arms in the air. He knew we’d score even before Bruno did!

I haven’t even mentioned his goal or his harrying of Fernandes.

What a player. What a midfield.

Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 1 – Sunday 13 April 2025 4.30pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Tonali 24, Barnes 49,64, Bruno 77

Garnacho 37

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 48% (47%) Man U 52% (51%)

Total shots were Newcastle 12 (7) Man U 9 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 (2) Man U 5 (3)

Corners were Newcastle 7 (5) Man U 2 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 37 (18) Man U 12 (7)

Newcastle United team v Manchester United:

Pope, Trippier (Krafth 78), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Joelinton (Longstaff 85), Tonali, Bruno (Miley 85), Barnes, Isak (Wilson 78), Murphy (Gordon 78)

Unused subs:

(Roy Keane on Newcastle United (and Man U…) – This is really good after 4-1 thrashing- Read HERE)