ASM admits: I need to hit the net more

ALLAN Saint-maximin admits he must start to score more regularly and provide more assists if he is to be worthy of comparison to Liverpool star Sadio Mane.

The French winger has found the net five times this season and laid on four goals for his Newcastle team-mates - but has struggled to make an impact in recent weeks.

While the former Nice man has been United’s talisman for the bulk of his stint on Tyneside, he has a long way to go to match the likes of elite players such as Mane.

The Reds’ forward has scored 14 league goals and provided two assists as the Merseyside club bids for a unique quadruple.

Saint-maximin is confident in his own ability but knows that unless his statistics improve he will not receive the same level of recognition as the world’s best.

The £16.5million star said: “Those who have played with me know that in terms of pure quality I have nothing to envy Sadio Mane.

“The day when I am capable of finishing opportunities on a regular basis and when I finish seasons with 10-15 assists I will change perceptions in people’s heads.” ■■FORMER Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate believes Newcastle’s Sunday opponents Manchester City could now “blow up” after their Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola’s side conceded twice in injury time at the Bernabeu and then lost in extra time, leaving them with just the Premier League title to play for.

Woodgate said: “What ramifications does that have on the league? They could blow up after this. Such a distressing loss. You could not write it.”