Newcastle's Longstaff hits out at 'disgraceful disrespect' shown to Joelinton

Sean Longstaff says the abuse Joelinton receives is a 'disgrace' and insists his Newcastle team-mates 'rate' the forward very highly.

The Brazilian played a starring role in Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at St James' Park on Monday evening and was subsequently named as the Man of The Match.

Manager Eddie Howe also praised Joelinton for his performance, while Jamie Carragher said the 25-year-old was the best player on the pitch.

Speaking after the game, Longstaff said: 'We know how good Joelinton is, the abuse he gets is a disgrace to be honest. If he's on your team in training you win, you're buzzing.

'Ask anyone at the club - everyone rates him so highly. Some of the noise from outside is really disrespectful. I'm so happy for him.'

Howe also praised Joelinton's 'work rate' after Newcastle's fixture against Manchester United. The boss also commended the 25-year-old's versatility.

Speaking after the Premier League fixture he said: 'We thought we'd play him as a No 10 but against Norwich we went down to 10 men and he played brilliantly as a No 8.

'He's been absolutely brilliant, so willing for the team with his work rate and the amount of ground he covers. I can't praise him enough - a real team player.'

Carragher also praised Joelinton for his 'outstanding midfield performance', claiming he was the best player on the pitch.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Carragher said: 'He was brilliant. That was an outstanding midfield performance by any standard.

'And I mean that by any midfield player you can think of in the Premier League this season.

'He was fantastic. He was everything. He’s taken a lot of criticism but he was best player on the pitch.'