Furious Luke Shaw rips into his Manchester United team-mates after defeat

Luke Shaw has ripped into his Manchester United team-mates after they were beaten 2-0 at top four rivals Newcastle. 

Goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson ensured a notable victory for Eddie Howe’s side that saw them leap-frog United into third, further strengthening their case for a top four berth this season.

Speaking to Sky Sports after United’s latest away defeat, which follows their 7-0 hammering at Anfield at the start of last month, Shaw said performances like that put in at St James’ Park were ‘not acceptable’. 

‘Not good enough,’ he said. ‘I feel like every time I speak after games, bad results, I’m always honest. 

‘And I think us as a team, we have to be honest – I don’t think… well, I do think Newcastle are a very good side but, I don’t think they won the game on quality today, I think they won it on passion, hunger, desire, attitude and, you know, they clearly had [more] motivation [than us].

Luke Shaw has said he and his Manchester United team-mates did not want it enough

Newcastle leap-frogged their top four rivals with a convincing 2-0 victory at St James’ Park

‘That can’t be possible. I feel like I say the same things every time we lose, and you know like I say, it’s not acceptable. 

‘It was a massive game today, and they wanted it more and at Man United that cannot be possible.’

The result leaves United in a spot of bother, having looked bound for a top four place alongside leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City for much of the post-World Cup period. 

However, a difficult March, that saw them drop points to Southampton after the chastening defeat at rivals Liverpool, followed by a poor start to April has them right back in the mix to finish among the top sides in the league. 

Erik ten Hag cut a solitary figure on the touchline, with a look of thunder etched across his face as Newcastle dominated their opponents all over the park. 

Exacting revenge for the League Cup final defeat, St James’ Park was a cacophony of noise during the game, with the hosts’ dominant performance rousing the crowd to produce a brilliant atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.

Comfortable winners in the end, it looked for a while as though their inability to take their chances would come back to haunt them, with Joe Willock in particular missing a gilt-edged chance on the stroke of the interval. 

Callum Wilson’s goal shortly before the end ensured Newcastle would claim all three points 

St James’ Park was a cacophony of noise during the game – and at full-time after important win

Howe, speaking after the game, hailed the crowd for the atmosphere they produced – crediting it with driving his side on. 

‘We’ve had moments since the World Cup where we haven’t scored the goals we maybe should have.

‘The first half was another example of that, where we were frustrated not to lead. We needed patience and felt if we performed the same way in the second half the goal would come, and it did.’

‘The fans were incredible. It’s great to hear. They have backed us since day one since I’ve come to the football club. I can’t thank them enough. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, I thought it would be. Thankfully we didn’t let them down,’ he added.’

More follows.