David Moyes bemoans disappearance of United spark

Manchester: Manchester United manager David Moyes blamed his side`s lack of creativity after they slumped to a second consecutive home defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Yohan Cabaye`s 61st-minute strike gave Newcastle a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, condemning United to their fifth defeat of the season and leaving them at risk of falling 15 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. United were renowned for staging thrilling gung-ho comebacks during the long reign of Moyes`s predecessor, Alex Ferguson, but their response to falling behind against Newcastle was meek. Robin van Persie saw a header ruled out for offside, but the visitors emerged largely unscathed as they enjoyed victory at the champions` stadium for the first time since 1972. Having previously seen his side beaten 1-0 by former club Everton on Wednesday, Moyes admitted that they were missing a cutting edge. "We`ve lacked a little bit of creativity at the right times," he told BT Sport. "When we`ve had chances to make good passes, we`ve not quite made them. But (although) we`ve lost the two games 1-0, they`ve probably been slightly against the run of play. "But it has happened. We have to expect that here. We have to create more chances, more opportunities, play better, and that`s the way to do it." The full-time whistle was greeted by a smattering of boos, but Moyes believes that United`s supporters appreciate the size of the task facing him. "I think the United fans have been great and I think they understand it is transitional," he said. "I think they understand it`s the same players which were here last year as well. Obviously the manager`s changed, so we`ll work, we`ll try and improve and try and get better." Asked if he could see a light at the end of the tunnel, Moyes replied: "There will be, because it is that transitional period that was always going to be the case. "We hoped it wouldn`t be quite as poor as it has been in the last few games, but hopefully we`ll get that right. "It`s the job, isn`t it? When I came here, I knew it was never going to always be easy and it`s proven that way." He also defended his decision to keep Van Persie on the pitch for the entirety of the match, after the Dutchman had missed United`s four previous games with a groin injury. "I was due to take him (Van Persie) off after 60 minutes, but if I had, people would have said, `What are you doing?`" explained Moyes, who was without Wayne Rooney due to suspension. "We were chasing the game and needed to get a goal back." Visiting manager Alan Pardew described Newcastle`s success as "one of the top moments" of his three-year tenure at St James` Park. "It`s been 41 years we`ve been waiting. A magnificent performance," he said. "I know we won`t get the headlines because of United and David Moyes, but we deserve them because the players were magnificent."