Man Utd boss Ten Hag let down by four players in poor Newcastle defeat

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Manchester United saw their hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four take a huge blow after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday. The Red Devils had gone into the game on a high after beating Fulham before the international break. But they were poor during the contest on Tyneside, with goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson sending the home fans wild.

Newcastle were the better team against United, who had beaten them in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley back in February.

And Willock and Wilsom became heroes for Eddie Howe’s side, with the former Arsenal star netting in the second half to boost their chances of finishing in the top four. 

United huffed and puffed to try and get a result but, in the end, they were unable to leave with anything to their name.

Erik ten Hag’s side now find themselves involved in a battle to qualify for the Champions League after a recent dip in form in the top flight.

Express Sport now takes a look at four players who weren’t good enough on the day.

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Wout Weghorst

United decided to stick with Wout Weghorst for the match against Newcastle, despite the 30-year-old’s struggles for goals at Old Trafford.

And the Netherlands international was, yet again, lacklustre in attack.

Before the game, Ten Hag confirmed the forward could still stay at the club – having arrived on loan from Burnley back in January.

But Weghorst offers precious little, despite pressing and working hard, and United lack a threat up top.

It’s no wonder they’re eyeing the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, who have been in outstanding form for Tottenham and Napoli respectively this season.

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Antony

United spent a massive £86million on Antony back in the summer transfer window.

But, months on, they’re still waiting for the Brazil international to truly come good – even if he shows glimpses of his talent at times.

Antony was unable to get the better of Dan Burn and was withdrawn in the second half having failed to make much of an impact.

The former Ajax star must improve if he’s to live up to his dizzying price tag.

If he doesn’t, then he could become the latest player to toil on the right-hand side of their attack.

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Diogo Dalot

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka missing through illness, United started Diogo Dalot at right-back for the match on Tyneside.

However, the Portugal international was given a horrendous afternoon by Toon star Allan Saint-Maximin, who was a constant threat all game.

Dalot was far too inverted for Willock’s goal, with his poor positioning allowing the Newcastle star to prod home from close range after Saint-Maximin’s header.

There has been an alarming dip in form for the Portugal international, who had been a key player for Ten Hag before the World Cup.

Wan-Bissaka looks a better pick at full-back these days and his return can’t come quickly enough.

Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay went into the match on a high after his heroics for Scotland against Spain before the international break.

But while it’s not his fault he isn’t Casemiro, there’s a big gulf in talent between the pair.

United just don’t control matches anywhere near as well when the Brazil international is missing, something that was evident against Newcastle.

McTominay is actually expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

And it’s clear they need an upgrade on the Scot, amid interest in the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham. 

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