Luke Shaw questions Manchester United players’ attitude after Newcastle defeat
The England defender had harsh words for his teammates after a 2-0 loss at St James’ Park.
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw said that “passion, desire, hunger and attitude” were the reasons for his side’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Magpies jump above Erik ten Hag’s side and into third place in the Premier League with that win. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Shaw admitted that the players’ attitude had not been right.
“I don’t think they won the game on quality today, they won it on passion, desire, hunger, attitude, and they had higher motivation than us and that can’t be possible,” Shaw said.
“I feel I say the same things every time we lose. It’s not acceptable. At Manchester United that can’t be possible.”
The defeat at St James’ Park extends Manchester United’s recent poor form in the league. Last month they followed up a 7-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool with a flat goalless draw against relegation-threatened Southampton.
Ten Hag reiterates United’s failings
Shaw has impressed in recent months and has re-established himself as a certain pick in Ten Hag’s first-choice backline. The United boss reiterated Shaw’s comments after the Newcastle defeat, saying that his team out been out-fought.
“Luke Shaw was right, I agree with him, Newcastle wanted it more,” Ten Hag said. “They were more determined, passionate and had more desire.”
“I hate to say it, they were better today. Especially in determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more this week. So they won.”
Manchester United edged the possession stats but were outplayed by their top four rivals on Sunday. Newcastle managed 22 shots to the visitors’ six and created a number of good openings.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. In the past we were better. You have to be hungry, give everything, every game.”