Newcastle United sealed back-to-back league wins over Manchester United for the first time since 1972 on Saturday night.
Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal was enough to seal all three points for the Magpies on their home turf but the 1-0 scoreline was not reflective of how the two sides’ performances were worlds apart from the first blow of the whistle.
It was a spirited showing from Eddie Howe’s men and for the Reds, a dismal one. Numerous players have come under fire from viewers, supporters and pundits alike after most of them failed to even get out of second gear in such a high-stakes top-four clash.
United now sit seventh-placed following the loss but could finish the matchweek in eighth if Brighton and Hove Albion are able to overturn Chelsea this afternoon.
McCoist berates United players
Ally McCoist, who was on commentary for the game, gave his post-match assessment of what transpired at St. James’ Park and didn’t hold back when questioning United’s commitment to the cause.
“He [Ten Hag] knows he’s got a problem if he gets that level of performance from United again, that was miles off it, absolutely miles off it,” the Scot said on TNT Sports’ coverage. “Newcastle were excellent and deserved to win by a lot more. The disappointing thing from my point of view watching United, apart from – and I really mean – apart from the two centre-backs [Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw], I don’t think you can give pass marks to anybody really.
“It’s a horrible thing to level at a professional football player when you question commitment and a desire to run about, but that’s [they’re] the questions you’ve got to ask of some of the United players this evening I’m afraid.”
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