Steve McClaren: 'Newcastle United lack identity'

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has suggested that his side lack an identity, after Watford condemned the Magpies to a fourth defeat of the season on Saturday.

United were defeated 2-1 by the Hornets at St James' Park, with the result leaving Newcastle 19th in the Premier League table, and McClaren insists that his team are still searching for a winning formula.

Speaking to The Guardian, McClaren said: "I don't think we have an identity yet. We are still searching for our best team. We're also searching for the best identity within the personnel we've got. We have to find a way of playing.

"Can we be free flowing? Can we be this or that? It's about results. We have to be pragmatic.

"We have to turn it round. But I still say this is a good squad, with good players. Not winning adds to the tension and pressure and fuels the criticism we're going to receive but to win, you need belief."

Newcastle will take on Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup on Wednesday evening.