Man. United Players Went "Missing"

Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has accused Manchester United players of going "missing" during the 1-0 defeat at St James' Park on Sunday.

Matt Ritchie's 65th-minute goal sealed victory for Newcastle, lifting them to 13th in the table, two points clear of 18th-placed Southampton.

Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez spurned the best chances for the visitors, who were unable to match the work-rate and intensity of the hosts, leaving United 16 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Lascelles was frank in his assessment of Jose Mourinho's side saying his defence did not know what to do with the ball under pressure.

"They have got some great players, but I don't think United turned up," the Newcastle captain said.

"We have played against Arsenal and Man City and you can really see the quality and one mistake or a lack of concentration and a goal will go in.

"I don't think they were at it from the start of the game - a lot of their players went missing.

"It was probably the way we were playing, we made them play like that.

"In the first half they were making a lot of mistakes, passing the ball around but it was down to our pressing.

"We were aggressive, and they didn't like it. You could see their centre-halves on the ball and they didn't really know what to do with it.

"We set up really well and we matched up really well against them. The manager got it spot on."

Credit: Skysports.com