Muto shows what he can offer United

the bounce. We have some good players in this team they just need confidence and to believe in them.

“When we do have that we do score goals.

“Sometimes under-23 football games are like basketball games because it is so end to end.

“There is a lot of action and a lot of the scores at this level they came out on top.” YOSHINORI Muto showed on his full Premier League debut he can bring pace and mobility to the Newcastle United attack, believes Rafa Benitez.

The Magpies’ manager had been reluctant to start the £9.5million signing until the weekend, concerned Muto’s lack of fluent English had prevented the Japan international from quickly adapting to the Premier League.

However, with Muto’s language lessons progressing well, Benitez named the 26-year-old as a striker alongside Ayoze Perez for the 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.

Muto scored the Magpies’ second goal in the 10th minute as Newcastle raced into a 2-0 lead and, even though the visitors collapsed during the second half at Old Trafford, the striker’s performance was a real positive.

Despite departing with an ankle injury – fellow goalscorer Kenedy was also forced off with a knock – Benitez is hopeful Muto will be ready to start at St James’ Park for the first time against Brighton and Hove Albion on October 20.

“I think it was important for us to have some mobility and pace in attack and his understanding with Ayoze was quite good,” Benitez said of his decision to start Muto at Old Trafford.

“Unfortunately, Kenedy and him both left the pitch with some problems.”

And Muto has vowed to help the Magpies to their first three points of the season after his full debut for the side.

The striker took to Instagram to thank the fans for their support.

He wrote: “Thank you very much for your support at the away match. Without your support, I wouldn’t have scored my first goal. Next game, I will do my best to get three points for

the team!”