Manchester United nightmare deepens with woeful defeat at Newcastle

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:20 am

Manchester United endured another dismal away day after losing 1-0 to Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.

Matthew Longstaff scored a second half goal to earn Newcastle boss Steve Bruce his first ever victory over United in 23 attempts during his managerial career.

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United failed to score in the Europa League draw against AZ Alkmaar in midweek and failed to impress again on Tyneside, with Newcastle bouncing back from a 5-0 loss at Leicester last time out to deepen the gloom on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

"We are disappointed, of course we are. We lacked a few players but that is no excuse," Solskjaer said.

"At the moment we are in a position we are not used to. The boys lacked a little composure and we didn't create enough chances to win. That's symptomatic of where we are at the moment. We don't create.

"Luckily for us its international break. We can evaluate what is going on. Hopefully we will get a few players back.

"It is my responsibility. Young boys lacking confidence need some help from the experienced players."

Solskjaer's men have failed to win away from home in all competitions since March, and sit two points above the relegation zone. Their last Premier League win on the road came in February. 

United went into this match without Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, who were missing through injury, with Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw also sidelined and Victor Lindelof joining them on the sidelines too. 

Newcastle almost took the lead in spectacular fashion after 28 minutes but Longstaff saw his long range shot hit the crossbar.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could not lead his side to a victory away from home once more.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Andreas Pereira produced the first shot on target after 41 minutes in a first half which lacked chances and quality. Just before the break, Harry Maguire had a golden chance to put the visitors in front but headed wide from a corner.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, Newcastle took the lead through a counter attack and Longstaff produced a fine strike from outside of the area that flew past David De Gea.

United enjoyed a lot of possession to failed to create any clear cut chances and left empty handed, with pressure mounting on troubled Solskjaer. 

"It is not acceptable, not just this game but the whole season. It is the most difficult time since I have been here. I don't know what is happening. We cannot even score one goal in two games," De Gea told the BBC after the match.