United manager Solskjaer disappointed after sloppy defeat

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blamed sloppy play for another big disappointment yesterday.

Solskjaer said: "It's disappointing, we started really badly.

“They are working hard but we couldn't settle down, we gave too many sloppy balls away.

“The second half we dominated but did not create enough chances."

On Harry Maguire's missed first-half header: "Harry knows he should have scored but when teams are going through difficult periods those are the chances you don't take. But that will come back.

"We have to work on the mindset because I understand the boys being disappointed and lacking a bit of confidence. But I see them everyday, they are good players and they work hard.

"We are never happy when we don't win and we are going through a very difficult period, but it's not too dissimilar a position to where we were last season where I was disappointed with the attitude, but the attitude here is spot on.

"But when you lack six of the starting XI from the first game, of course that will impact on performances. We will work hard to get them back but the lads who are out there gave everything."

On their next game away at Liverpool: "That's a perfect game for us. The international break is also at the perfect time because their heads need a bit of airing.

“It doesn't help having a meeting tomorrow.

“They will go away with their national teams, meet their team-mates and come back fresh.

"We have had a good time together, we have prepared since the first day of pre-season, we have stuck to the same principles. We have not got the result today but we have to keep carrying on."

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said: "I've waited something like 20 years for a result against Man Utd. I'm delighted for everybody. What we needed was a response after last week and that was there for everyone to see.

"This just shows you that football management is up and down. You can never write the script. When that's the case you need your team to rally around.

"When you lose badly everyone comes under the pump. Thankfully we responded and for a young kid to make his debut and blast one in from 20 yards is something else."