Rooney: Silly goals cost us at Newcastle

Mitrovic scored from the spot to drag Newcastle level at 2-2 on Tuesday before Rooney struck a sublime third for United.

Wayne Rooney gave United the lead twice at St James’ Park, but Paul Dummett’s 90th-minute strike resulted in a 3-3 draw.

And Rooney targeted an improvement at the back when United, who have conceded 10 goals in their last six league games, visit Liverpool on Sunday. Then they are heavyweight champions and you can judge who is the champion.

The Serbian striker also played a big part in Wijnaldum’s goal that brought Newcastle back into the game just before half-time.

“You can see on the pitch the way he plays during the whole game, how easily he plays”.

“They were silly goals to concede on our behalf and they were avoidable”.

While Van Gaal was critical of his side’s finishing, he was also disappointed with the awarding of Newcastle’s penalty.

“We threw it away, I have told that to my players”, Van Gaal added. As a matter of fact, the former Anderlechet forward said it felt “really amazing” to play against the Red Devils second highest goalscorer.

“I am proud to have the chance to play against him”. You can see he’s pushing the head of Smalling to the ground.

“I have to cope with it. My players have to cope with it. That’s very hard”.

Referee Mike Dean gave two penalties on the night – one to Manchester United for handball against Chancel Mbemba and the other to Newcastle for Smalling’s tussle with Mitrovic – both of them contested by the respective managers, and might have given at least one more.

“We always want to try and play entertaining attacking football that is what we work on and try and do, and hopefully we can come up with more solutions”. “That would be awesome”.

The draw snaps a four-match losing streak for the Magpies and moves them to within a point of safety in the Premier League.

“Scoring it will do a lot for my confidence”. I don’t. You.You too. I was really happy.

The 41-year-old, however, insisted that there was a lack of confidence in the team as they have been struggling in their previous eight games. It’s hard and the defenders are getting stronger.

“I expect positive play from Manchester United all the time, whether you’re at home or away”.