The Reds had several encouraging spells of possession at St James’ Park and hit back through Alejandro Garnacho after Sandro Tonali’s first-half opener but were undone after the break by three further goals, as the hosts – who were better and stronger than us according to Amorim – capitalised on several United mistakes to make their authority pay.
Ruben believes that the Magpies’ second goal, netted by Harvey Barnes just four minutes into the second period, was particularly hurtful to our chances of securing a positive result, before Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes went on to widen the gap on the scoreline.
The boss is now keen to turn attentions to Thursday’s huge Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford, although it’s a game that he expects to be without Joshua Zirkzee for, after the Dutchman left the pitch in the second half on Sunday with an injury.
Amorim gave an update on Zirkzee while conducting his post-match media duties in the North East, which you can read a round-up of the key quotes from below…
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