Ralf Rangnick accused his Manchester United stars of lacking aggression after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Edinson Cavani rescued his team as he came from the bench to level the scores securing a draw at struggling Newcastle on Monday, December 27.
Rangnick's side trailed as Allan Saint-Maximin's put in an eye-catching early goal and were out-played for long periods at St James' Park.
Cavani came off the bench to bag his first goal since October in the second half, ensuring Rangnick avoided a first defeat in four games as United's interim manager.
Manchester United remain in seventh place in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth placed Arsenal however with two games in hand.
Rangnick had won his first two league games since taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and continues his unbeaten run in the Premier League
"I didn't like the performance at all. We didn't control the game apart from a few moments. It's all about energy, physicality and who wins the second balls. In all those areas we weren't at our best.
"You have to be able to win those direct duels. Today was not a question of body language, it was a question of body physicality.
"If you want to be competitive you have to get physical and this was not the case in many parts of the game," Ralf commented after the match.
United had their games against Brentford and Brighton postponed, with the club's training ground shut for four days.
But regardless of the coronavirus chaos, Rangnick noted that his side must improve dramatically if they are to secure a top four finish.
"We need to be better and get more physical. We shouldn't be looking for excuses.
"We have to meet the demands in terms of speed, tempo and rhythm," Ralf added.
Newcastle who are second at the bottom of the league table ended a three-game losing streak, leaving them two points from safety after the most encouraging display of Eddie Howe's eight-match reign.