Dramatic second half comeback sees Mourinho's United win

After falling to a 2-0 deficit by the break, Manchester United looked set to complete a run of five matches without a win - and potentially prove the final straw for Jose Mourinho.

After just 10 minutes of the game had been played, United found themselves 2-0 down at home against a side in Newcastle that were languishing in the relegation zone. 

Mourinho, visibly furious with what he had seen from his side, waited until only the 16th minute of the game, when he took off centreback Bailly for the far more attacking-minded Juan Mata, a tactical change that proved crucial in the turnaround.

He made another change at half time after running into the changing room, clearly keen on wasting no time to pass on his tactical messages at half time, bringing on Fellaini as a more physical presence in the front line, with Matic and Smalling playing as the centreback partnership, while Pogba played just in front as a half back, allowing Shaw and Young to play as wingbacks to get as involved in the attacking department as possible.

It was a frustrating second half for Mourinho for large spells though, with his United side pushing on to get back into the game, coming close but with no reward for their clear endeavour on the pitch.

However, after his third and final change of the game, bringing on the explosive Alexis Sanchez, the comeback finally fell into place. With Juan Mata smashing home a free-kick with just 20 minutes to go, the supporters were on their feet and fully behind their side, and what was for so long an unlikely comeback started to feel like an inevitability.

Anthony Martial, who had been so impressive for the side despite the scoreline, was the man to get the equaliser, smashing into the back of the net, while Alexis Sanchez, who had been criticised by large sections of the media for his performances, was the man that nodded Manchester United in front.

One final tactical change was in place, with Fellaini, why was being utilised as a striker for the previous 15 minutes, being moved back into a defensive midfield role to help United hold onto their narrow lead and potentially save Mourinho his job.

As the full time whistle went, the supporters were on their feet, audibly ecstatic by the incredible comeback, while Mourinho, who seemingly used all his managerial expertise and know-how to claw back a vital victory, looked a relieved man, but one that clearly felt he made a huge statement of intent with his incredible influence on the game.

Mourinho's win comes after English reports emerged that he would be sacked regardless of the result, but the player's effort for their manager certainly suggests that that may not be the case. 

The win means that this was the first time this season that all three Portuguese managers in the Premier League - with Marco Silva and Nuno Espirito Santo the other two - won in the same gameweek.