Jonas Gutierrez has said that Newcastle United have been unlucky with injuries and suspensions this season.

The Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League last season, but are 14th ahead of this afternoon's games.

The club's captain told The Guardian: "It's a difficult season. We're conceding goals we kept out last year, but we're all still working very hard.

"Last season we were lucky with injuries and suspensions. This year we've been unlucky and we now know it is the hardest thing to play well in the Europa League and the Premier League. But we have to start winning.

"Otherwise there's going to be too much pressure. We have to start climbing the table and then we can still finish quite high in the spring."

Newcastle are at Old Trafford to face Manchester United this afternoon.