Manchester United defender Chris Smalling: We need to stay “switched on”

Paul Dummett’s fierce shot from the edge of the area deflected into the top corner for Newcastle’s second equaliser in a thrilling game at St. James’ Park. “We have given it away”.

“Against Manchester United, it’s not easy to come back”.

Earlier, United failed to claim victory in this week’s clash in Premier League as they were held by Newcastle to a 3-3 draw, despite taking the lead twice over the course of the 90 minutes. “We have to blame ourselves because we could have finished the match much earlier. I think he can play for 10 years more”.

Chris Smalling’s bad foul gave Newcastle a penalty which was converted by Aleksandar Mitrovic bringing the score to 2-2.

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

“Asked what was going through his mind when the ball dropped to him on the edge of the penalty area, he said: “‘I’m going to hit this as hard as I can and see what happens’, really. In truth, however, it was United’s defence that was most disturbing on another unsatisfactory night for Van Gaal.

Manchester United captain Rooney struggled for positives despite his double. Okay, they didn’t win but they should have won, really. I have said in all my press conferences that you have to score one more goal than your opponent, and we didn’t do that.

“The heavyweight wrestling between Mitrovic and Smalling, you can clearly see that he [Mitrovic] is pushing the head of Smalling to the ground”.

McClaren said: “We wanted to show everyone what we are about”.

“When we’re down the bottom, you need every point you can get”.

“People thought it would be a 0-0 and it was a classic at 3-3”. It was a throwback to numerous exciting games in former coach Alex Ferguson’s reign at United.

Despite their last-minute leveller Newcastle remain in the bottom three with 18 points from 21 games. We could have made six goals.

“We missed big chances to win it. We were the better team”.

“We always want to try and play entertaining attacking football”.

Rooney was less than pleased with his side’s defensive performance on the night and has demanded the backline improve out of sight in order to keep things tighter at the back.