Man Utd short on confidence, concedes Solskjaer after Newcastle loss
Solskjaer’s side paid the price for their latest lethargic display as Longstaff bagged his first goal for Newcastle in the second half at St James’ Park.
United are languishing just two points above the relegation zone in 12th place after their third successive league game without a win.
This was a wretched display from United, especially given the paucity of the opposition provided by a Newcastle team who had fared even worse in the opening weeks of the season.
“We’re disappointed. We did lack quite a few key players but that’s no excuse,” Solskjaer said.
“Some of the boys lack a little bit of composure and we don’t create enough chances to win a game of football.
“The first half was the sloppiest we’ve been. In the second half we dominated but we didn’t create.”
Alarmingly, United’s only victory in their last five matches in all competitions came on penalties against minnows Rochdale in the League Cup.
While it is surely too soon for Solskjaer to face the sack, the beleaguered United manager goes into the international break knowing results must improve quickly.
“It’s my responsibility. I need to sort their heads out. Young boys lacking confidence, they need some help from experienced players and staff,” Solskjaer said.
“They’re human and they want to do well. They need to see the results of their hard work and we’re not getting those results so that’s going to affect them.”
United haven’t won away from Old Trafford since beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in March.
They are winless in eight consecutive top-flight away fixtures for the first time since a run of 11 from February to September 1989.
Their haul of nine points after eight games is their worst tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the dark days of 1989.
Asked if United’s rebuild was in danger of imploding, Solskjaer said: “It will take however long it will have to take. It’s a journey we’ve started on and the culture is getting there.
“We’ve given ourselves a big uphill challenge to get among the top four. If you only work on sunny days you’ll never get to your destination.”