‘I didn’t see that’: Ten Hag explains what surprised him most about Newcastle loss

Speaking about Man United’s shambolic 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I hate to say it, but they [Newcastle] were better today.

“It hurts me to say that the other team had more passion and desire. They [Newcastle] could easily come into our box. We did well blocking shots, but we have to do much better.

“After we went into the attacking zones, we created nothing. Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.

“I was surprised the team couldn't match the determination and passion of the opponent. You know when you travel to St James' Park what will be going on, especially after we won the cup. If you want to win big games you have to be mature, I didn't see that.”

The Red Devils had a poor return to action after the international break and are now winless in their last three Premier League games. Ten Hag will hope to reinvigorate them and get them back to firing ways when they host Brentford at Old Trafford on Wednesday.