'Car crash performance' - National media react to Manchester United defeat to Newcastle United

Manchester United were dealt a damaging blow by fellow top-four rivals Newcastle United at St James' Park, as Erik ten Hag's men were beaten 1-0 thanks to Anthony Gordon's second-half strike.

The Reds were lacklustre throughout the contest in the north-east, with both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial substituted just after the hour mark as United sought a way back into the contest. Tino Livramento time and time again caused trouble for Eddie Howe's side down the left flank, with the Magpies celebrating at the full-time whistle. United host Chelsea on Wednesday at Old Trafford, bidding to bounce back ahead of a busy Christmas period.

Still without key men Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, Ten Hag's side have endured a busy six-day period after outings against Everton and Galatasaray came before the trip to Tyneside. With plenty of outlets providing their own reaction, scroll down further to see how the national media reacted to a sixth Premier League defeat of the season for United.

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Underdog football

Andy Brassell, The Guardian

As the players finished their handshakes and retreated to their halves ahead of kick-off the familiar strains of Local Hero tumbling from the public address briefly faltered, before starting again from the beginning. A rewind was exactly what was coming next, with Newcastle and Manchester United reminding us exactly what they are about.

Towards the end of normal time in an utterly one-sided match substitute Antony’s shot deflecting in off Harry Maguire (who mercifully for the home side was