Man Utd accused of ‘not turning up against big teams’ as Erik ten Hag told to make big player decision after Newcastle defeat

Gary Neville has accused Manchester United of not turning up against big teams, after the Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies ran out deserved winners, as second-half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson sent Eddie Howe’s side above Man United into third.

Erik ten Hag’s men will drop to fifth if Tottenham Hotspur avoid defeat against Everton, but United will have two games in hand over their Champions League rivals.

Away from home, United have been on the end of some big defeats having been thrashed 7-0 at Anfield and 6-3 at Man City. They have also lost at Arsenal with defeats to six of the current top nine away from home.

“They have not shown up against the big teams,” former Red Devils defender Gary Neville told Sky Sports after Sunday’s defeat, and with United still to travel to Spurs and Brighton.

“Ten Hag needs to decide which players he can take forward and which players he can’t.”

Neville also felt Newcastle showed greater desire, as they made it three wins in a row to give their top-four hopes another significant boost.

Neville added: “Manchester United have been well beaten. They are not fooling anyone in terms of the bigger picture. There are worrying signs.

“They just don’t turn up in matches like this. They deserved to get beaten. Newcastle’s performance was far better. Newcastle did want it more.”

Man United’s issues away from home in the Premier League have not appeared to affect their Europa League campaign, with the Red Devils still in the competition having come through two-legged affairs with Barcelona and Real Betis.