GIF: Juan Mata's perfect free kick gives United lead against Newcastle

Without Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the lineup due to injury (and with a host of regular starters on the bench ahead of the midweek Champions League tie against Bayern Munich), Juan Mata could be considered the only true gamebreaker on the pitch for Manchester United in their match against Newcastle on Saturday.

Tasked with being the mastermind of the United attack, the Spaniard lived up to his newfound responsibility with this brilliant free kick in the 39th minute.

[Courtesy: TSN2]

The goal proved to be the only one of the opening half.