Maguire: Man Utd's 16-day break did us no favours

"We've had people with symptoms, people without symptoms - it's been a real mixed bag for everyone at the football club and it's been a tough time"

OFF THE HOOK: Newcastle's Jacob Murphy hits the post laste on at St James' Park. David de Gea made a big save from Newcastle's Almiron from the next phase. Picture: Stu Forster

MAN Utd skipper Harry Maguire insisted a 16-day Covid-19 break had done Manchester United no favours after they salvaged a 1-1 draw at Premier League strugglers Newcastle.

The Red Devils needed a 71st-minute equaliser from half-time substitute Edinson Cavani to emerge with anything to show for their efforts at St James' Park on Monday night as interim manager Ralf Rangnick was forced to abandon his favoured 4-2-2-2 formation and were indebted to goalkeeper David De Gea for a series of fine saves.