Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Alan Pardew refused to get too downhearted about Newcastle United’s 3-1 loss at Old Trafford.

Pardew knows he needs a response in the next two games at St James’ Park against Everton and Burnley.

But after seeing his side denied a penalty at the Stretford End, he felt Newcastle got a raw deal in their last away game of 2014.

He said: “I actually thought we did well in terms of matching them up.

“I thought Gouffran did well in an unusual role.

“If there was going to be a weak link, it was probably going to be him, but that didn’t happen. “

Pardew believes the absence of suspended Cheick Tiote also made a difference.

He added: “Cheick was a big loss – when I’ve played here, it’s the sort of stage he likes.

“I’m not dispirited with the performance, and I thought we displayed tremendous character towards the end.

“Towards the end of the Arsenal game I thought our heads went down a bit, but our mentality here was good. We did okay.”

Pardew also reflected on the performance of Adam Armstrong on his full Premier League debut.

He said “I felt sorry for Adam because he got a shot and they broke on us and scored.

“He knows he probably should have made a better decision at that point.

“But this is a player for the future.

“I thought it was a good opportunity for him on a big stage and hopefully he’s going to have a big career ahead of him.

“He showed little flashes, but there’ll be more to come.”