Sky Sports Pundit Tony Gale hit out at the performance of Chris Smalling during Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday. The England international has received plenty of sticks from the club's faithful of late, and he did himself no favours after being booked for simulation in the lead-up to the Magpies goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former West Ham ace Gale was not impressed with the reaction of the centre-back, and believes he should have been embarrassed over his reaction, he said: "Well I think he got embarrassed so quickly he got up so quickly didn’t he. He realised what he had done. His defence would be that he was anticipating the challenge, but that’s not enough. You’ve got to have a connection on you and it was embarrassing really, it was quite embarrassing. Watch how quickly he gets up here, he goes down and he’s ‘oh blimey, what have I done, up I get’."

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling reckons that the club are in desperate need of a comfortable win to improve their confidence.

He also wishes that such a win should come in the upcoming Europa League match against Danish champions Midtjylland. The first leg of the last 32 tie between the two teams will take place away from Old Trafford. Since the crucial second leg is at home, United are overwhelming favourites to reach the last 16. United are likely to put more focus on winning the competition since it would mean another trophy and a straight path to the Champions League group stages irrespective of the league position that United find themselves at the end of the campaign.