Topics: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Premier League, Steve McClaren, Fan Reactions
Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren was forced to step in and take action when some players decided to ignore the travelling support after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
It was a scoreline that somewhat flattered the away side. A second-half finish from Anthony Gordon sealed all three points for the Magpies, who dominated Erik ten Hag's weary side at an atmospheric St James' Park.
After an exhausting away trip to Galatasaray on Wednesday night, United looked lacklustre and leggy.
Perhaps it was something to do with the chaotic pre-match preparations, after their flight to Newcastle was cancelled at the last minute because of poor weather conditions and 'technical difficulties'.
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But they can't use a midweek trip to Istanbul as an excuse. The injury-plagued Newcastle came up against Ligue 1 champions PSG on Tuesday and still managed to outwork and outclass their opponents.
It was an evening to forget for United and their supporters, who travelled hundreds of miles on a freezing cold night in the North East.
In fact, some fans must have been understandably frustrated after Saturday's full-time whistle, when a number of United players decided to head straight down the St James' Park tunnel.
As reported by ESPN correspondent Rob Dawson, United assistant Steve McClaren made his feelings clear on the matter.
"Worst bit about tonight was that Steve McClaren had to wait at the top of the tunnel to tell some United players to turn around and applaud the fans," Dawson said.
"They've travelled hundreds of miles on a freezing day to watch that dross and they can't even get a clap. Joke."
Here's how social media reacted to the incident.
One fan said: "Ten Hag comes in and talks about changing the culture, and after 18 months in charge this simple, but extremely important thing still isn’t any nearer to being sorted. It says a lot more than people realise. It says everything."
A second wrote: "They don't care. And they won't start now. Out performed by a team who clearly wanted it," while a third commented: "They are not even playing for themselves, never mind us fans."
A fourth added: "I saw only Harry applaud them at FT. Say what you will about his ability and fit for the team long-term, but he's been class all through. Earned my respect."
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes ripped into Erik ten Hag's side following their defeat to Newcastle on Saturday night, describing them as "lazy" and "rubbish" in a scathing post-match assessment.
When asked to give his verdict on the performance, he said: "Rubbish. They're a poor football team at this minute.
"Those results they've had recently are misleading. Too many lazy players on the football team - you can't get away with that.
"Going to these places, the first thing you do is work hard. You can see the joy that Newcastle are getting down both sides and feel sorry for the full backs."
Thoughts on United's performance on Saturday night? Let us know in the comments.
