Mueez Ajao
– Manchester United’s performance in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United was “unacceptable” and “nowhere near good enough”, says defender Luke Shaw.
– Erik ten Hag’s side dropped to fourth in the table after being leapfrogged by Newcastle in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
– The Red Devils have not won – or scored – in their past three league games.
Also Read: Newcastle beat Man Utd to go 3rd in Premier League
– “They [Newcastle] wanted it more. At Manchester United that shouldn’t be possible,” Shaw told Sky Sports.
– “I don’t think Newcastle won on quality today, they won on desire, passion, hunger, attitude.
– “We need to realise the problems quickly and change it round. We still can have a very good season but with results and performances like this we can’t.”
– Despite Sunday’s defeat, United are well-placed to finish their first season under Ten Hag successfully.
– Having defeated Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley in February, they are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
– Shaw, however, said big improvements are needed after the players “spoke out” in the dressing room after the final whistle.
– “The players had a chat in the changing room after with no staff round,” added Shaw.
– “We have to work out what the problems are and leave them behind.
– “It’s down to us. It was nowhere near good enough. We had to speak out in front of each other.”
– Having missed the opportunity to establish a six-point cushion on fifth place, United return to action on Wednesday when they host Brentford – the first of three successive home games.
– “We have to get in the Champions League,” Shaw said. “We are the biggest club in world, we have to be in the Champions League. We have to re-focus and get back to winning ways.”
