Erik ten Hag has called on Manchester United to "stick together" after Wednesday's defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup fourth round added another disappointment to a difficult season.
United, who beat Newcastle in last season's League Cup final, saw their title defence end in a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, with Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock on target for the visitors.
It was the second time in three days United have lost 3-0 at home, having been beaten by the same score by local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.
United have now lost eight of their last 15 games in all competitions, and five of their first 10 at home for the first time since 1930/31.
They have also lost five of their first 10 Premier League games for the first time, while their hopes of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages hang by a thread after two losses in their first three group games.
"It is not good enough. We know that," United manager Ten Hag said. "We were in the game and in a couple of minutes, we gave the game away. That's below our standards and we know that. We have to take responsibility for this."
Ten Hag said it was vital for his players to regain their confidence as United attempt to rediscover the form that saw them finish third in the Premier League last season, as well as reach both cup finals.
"You only get your confidence when you take responsibility and you fight and you are winning and dictating the crowd," he said. "When you do that, you get results and from there you build your own confidence. Confidence is something that is in your own hands and that is individual but of course, you have to do it as a team. You have to stick together."
Considering the impressive progress United made in Ten Hag's first season, it would have seemed inconceivable that the Dutchman would be under pressure just months into his second campaign, but such has been United's poor form, the manager finds himself under increasing scrutiny.
However, Ten Hag insisted he is the man to reverse the club's fortunes.
Man United v Newcastle player ratings
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MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Another three goals conceded, another 3-0 home defeat. No obvious errors in a side which made seven changes. Which was one less than Newcastle made. AFP -
As poor as any player in the first half, he afforded too much space as Newcastle dominated down the left and was at fault for two goals. Switched off, didn’t go with his runners. Shot wide on 46 – then came off at half time. AFP -
One of the better performers. The bar was set as low as it has been in recent seasons. Pulled out of position for the first goal. PA -
Back at centre half and hardly convincing. Captain for the second half, not that it made much difference. AP -
In the wrong position for Almiron’s goal. Cut a deeply frustrated figure on another shocking night at Old Trafford. PA -
Captain and the first to shoot on target. Booked early on after Mejbri. Off at half time once again. What on earth has happened to him? AP -
No obstacle to the attack which led to the opening goal. Powerful shot from distance on 46 – he took four shots. Still unconvincing and one of the moaners to the referee as Newcastle attacked and scored a second. PA -
Booked – as usual – this time after a careless barge on 13 minutes. Fortunate there was no VAR as he avoided a second booking three minutes later. Got back on 22 to stop a Newcastle attack. Just 34 touches in 64 minutes. AP -
Dispossessed to cheers from the huge travelling crowd. One-footed as ever, made a nice combination with Martial on 56 before aiming his shot towards Gorse Hill, one mile away. AP -
No. AP -
Struggled with his duels, losing possession led to Newcastle’s opener. Dangerous ball to Mount two minutes later. Getty Images -
SUBS: (Dalot 45') Brought urgency down the right. It’s good that he’s back. Getty Images -
(Casemiro 45') Briefly brought energy. Dispossessed by Joelinton in the run-up to the third. Has done little to show he’s even close to being at the level expected at Manchester United. Getty Images -
(Martial 64') He must be wondering what he’s walked into. AP -
(Garnacho 64') Nothing. Getty Images -
(Mejbri 64') Nothing. PA -
NEWCASTLE PLAYER RATINGS: Outside of a few necessary saves, it was a quiet night for Dubravka as he was rarely tested in a substantial way. Getty Images -
It was a short night for Targett as a serious-looking hamstring injury saw him depart after just a few minutes of action. PA -
One of Dummett’s biggest strengths is his aerial ability, and he was as efficient as ever in that and every other department. Reuters -
The Swede grew into the match after a nervy start and imposed himself on Manchester United’s forwards with some crucial interceptions. AFP -
Between keeping Garnacho quiet all night and his phenomenal assist for the opener, this was one to remember for the right-back. Looked every bit Kieran Trippier's long-term successor Getty Images -
The teenage ful-back looked confident at every turn, distributed the ball with ease and slotted in the third goal like a seasoned veteran. AFP -
The local midfielder was as focused as ever on a night in which he more than lived up to the title of captain with a largely mistake-free outing. Reuters -
This was a masterclass from Willock, including several great runs, a big helping hand in the second goal and a cracking finish for the third. AFP -
While he was marked out of the game in the early stages, the 22-year-old winger battled hard and found his own once he started dropping deeper. Reuters -
The Brazilian midfielder was alert, defensively sound, and produced the all-important tackle that started the move for Newcastle's third goal. Getty Images -
His work in the final third may not have been as good as it has been in the past, but he still did a solid job of protecting the ball in possession. AP -
SUBS: (Targett 5') The forward showed great pace, determination and end product with a goal and a notable role in the second. PA -
(Willock 64') The Brazilian midfielder's physicality was on full display as he helped Newcastle over the finish line. Reuters -
(Gordon 64') The England striker at his usual harrying best, chasing down chances at every available opportunity. Reuters -
(Hall 74') The defender did his job in protecting the lead after the hard work was done by his colleagues at the back. AFP -
(Ritchie 75') It was a short but sweet cameo from the England international that included a few of his trademark deliveries. PA
"I understand that when the results are not there, it is a logical process to question [the manager]. But I am confident I can do it," he said. "With all my clubs I have done it and also last year I did it here as well. In this moment, we are in a bad place. I take responsibility for it. I see it as a challenge."
While United are left to pick up the pieces of their latest setback, Newcastle moved on to the quarter-finals and a clash with Chelsea.
"I think the spirit of the group just showed in the performance, the togetherness, the unity," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.
"This is a really tough place to come and to score the goals we did at the times we did and just the manner of the performance really pleased me."
