Newcastle vs Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apologises to fans after latest abysmal display

United only two points clear of relegation zone after dismal defeat

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apologised to Manchester United’s supporters after yet another abysmal performance in defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

A goal by 19-year-old Matty Longstaff on his Premier League debut lifted Newcastle out of the relegation zone and left United only two points clear of the bottom three.

The defeat means United’s worst start to a season in 30 years continues and Solskjaer is now without a win in 11 matches away from home.

“We’re unhappy with the results and the results bring out the mood of everyone,” he said. “I’ve got to say sorry to the fans that we’re not winning games.

“That’s down to a rebuild and this is not a similar situation to when I was sat here after Everton last year, when I felt people had given up and they don’t give what they have for the shirt.

“These boys give everything they’ve got for the shirt. We’ll get there in the end.”

Solskjaer admitted that United now face an uphill struggle to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League, even suggesting a top-six finish will be difficult.

“We have given ourselves a very, very tough task to get into the top four, never mind top six, and we need to get results straight away.

“We need to get on a run, get momentum and give you what’s acceptable. Every game should be one we look to win at this club but we can’t win games, especially away from home."

United return to action after the October international break, with league leaders and historic rivals Liverpool visiting Old Trafford.

“We’ve got the perfect opportunity to get players back and raise the supporters’ moods,” Solskjaer said.