Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has categorically denied spitting at Papiss Cisse during last night's match against Newcastle United.

The incident occurred in the first half of the Red Devils' 1-0 victory at St James' Park, when the two players had a coming-together following a rather innocuous challenge.

Replays appeared to show Evans spit in the direction of Cisse when he was still on the ground, before the Senegalese got to his feet and did likewise to the Northern Irishman.

However, having had time to reflect on what happened, the United defender has now released a statement via his club's official website in which he claims to be "shocked" by certain suggestions that have been made.

"Having woken up this morning I am shocked to have seen the media coverage from last night's match," he said. "I would like to make it clear that I did not spit at Papiss Cisse.

"I was totally unaware of any spitting incident and had assumed that the issue at the time was with the challenge and his attempted retaliation to the tackle from the floor. During the game Papiss Cisse and I spoke about the incident and it is clear by my reaction in the television footage that I was totally surprised by any suggestion of spitting.

"It is not in my character or in my nature to spit at anybody nor is it something I have ever done or would ever do. It is certainly not something that I did last night."

Speaking directly after the game, Newcastle boss John Carver claimed that he did not see the incident take place, while Louis van Gaal said likewise in his post-match comments. Cisse has yet to comment.

The Football Association is still awaiting referee Anthony Taylor's report before deciding whether or not to take action.