Spirited fightback but Dale fall short
DAVID de Gea branded United’s concession of Newcastle’s winning goal ‘unacceptable’ after they fell to their third defeat of the season in the Premier League.
United were beaten 1-0 at St James’ Park as top-flight debutant Matty Longstaff scored the only goal of the game to ensure the visitors go into the international break in 12th position in the table.
“We didn’t create any proper chances,” De Gea told Sky Sports at full-time.
“We defended well. The team needs to step up. We have some big injuries but that’s no excuse.
“We are Manchester United, we need to keep training hard, fighting and winning games.”
Asked what United need to improve after a torrid start to the campaign, De Gea said: “Everything.
“A lot of things to improve. I don’t know what to say.
“Keep trying, fighting, improving every day. It’s a hard moment for us.”
Longstaff’s goal came as the hosts counter-attacked following a United corner and De Gea was A SECOND-half fightback inspired by Ian Henderson was not enough for Rochdale to salvage anything from their trip to Kingsmeadow.
Trailing 3-0 at the interval, Henderson was brought off the bench just shy of the hour mark and scored twice as the visitors went close to snatching what had looked, halfway through the contest, an unlikely share of the spoils.
The Dons went into the game having failed to win any of their previous 12 games – but this clash against a Dale side depleted by injuries represented their best chance for a while.
And they seized the opportunity, taking the lead with two minutes on the clock, Marcus Forss volleying beyond Robert Sanchez. Just 16 critical of his United team-mates for allowing that to happen.
“The most difficult time since I’ve been here. I don’t know why, what is happening. Sorry to the fans. We will keep fighting.
“Come on, we conceded a goal from a comer. That cannot happen. It’s unacceptable.” minutes in Scott Wagstaff found Paul Osew who tapped home from close range. And the result looked all but wrapped up when Mitchell Pinnock netted on 28 minutes.
Having offered little going forward, boss Brian Barry-Murphy brought on Henderson – on the bench as he was feeling ill – early in the second half. He gave Dale a foothold in the 66th minute but his second, a stoppage time header, came too late for Dale.
“We didn’t defend well enough in the first half and gave away three poor goals,” said BBM.
“I was keen to see how the players reacted after the first-half. It can be very difficult conceding three goals when you are in control of the firsthalf.
“You can’t always control the score, so the way we reacted in the second half was very pleasing.”