Steve Bruce admitted that England ace Harry Kane proved to be the big difference between the two sides during the 3-1 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
Kane's double after the break secured three points for Spurs on a day in which United had 22 goal attempts but failed to finish where and when it mattered either side of Matt Ritchie's equaliser.
But Kane - who scored with his two only efforts at goal - inflicted a tough defeat on Newcastle.
Bruce said afterwards: "There's the difference. That quality at the other end of the pitch.
"They are worth their weight in gold.
"We could have done better defensively with the second after we'd just scored.
"Unfortunately sometimes you don't get the result you deserve."
Bruce looked down in the dumps after his team pushed hard but were unable to emerge with anything for their effort.
Bruce said: "The way we played I couldn't complain.
"I'm frustrated as we've gave away two more soft goals."
With injuries piling up for United they are now facing a tricky task to beat last term's points tally of 45 points.
Bruce added: "With turnaround being quick we have to look forward to next season.
"We are down the bare bones, we have had eight or nine people missing."
