Shaw voices Red Devils’ frustration

Luke Shaw believes Manchester United’s recent victories over their top-six rivals have been rendered “pointless” by an inability to beat teams further down the Premier League pecking order.

The Red Devils enjoyed successes against Tottenham and Manchester City earlier this month but followed that up by drawing at home to Everton and then slumping to a miserable 2-0 defeat at bottom club Watford on Sunday.

The loss at Vicarage Road leaves United seven points adrift of the top four.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have struggled against opponents who sit deep, winning just one of the last 17 games when they have enjoyed more possession.

In-form Newcastle, who beat United 1-0 at St James’ Park earlier in the season, are the visitors to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

“We need to be better,” he told manutd.com

Watford took the lead as Ismaila Sarr’s tame effort slipped through the grasp of David De Gea, the United goalkeeper’s sixth error leading to a goal since the start of last season.

But, after Troy Deeney’s penalty four minutes later secured a first home win of the campaign for the Hornets, Shaw backed his team-mate to bounce back immediately.

“David has saved us so many times in so many different matches over the years he has been here.

“There is no way you can point any blame at him at all. He is a world-class goalkeeper and I am sure he will pick himself up.”

Watford will be hoping the result – coming in Nigel Pearson’s first home game as head coach – can prove a catalyst to an unlikely survival bid.

Midfielder Will Hughes was one of the best players on the pitch on Sunday but warned it must not be a false dawn for Watford like their previous win, at fellow strugglers Norwich on November 8, proved to be.

“It is frustrating how the season has gone so far, but we know what we are capable of against a good Manchester United side.

“We put in the work ethic and we got the rewards.”

Luke Shaw said United “need to do better”.