Newcastle stand-in boss Chris Hughton said he is more interested in results than performances after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United.

Peter Lovenkrands gave the Magpies the lead at St James' Park before goals from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov sealed the win for the champions.

Hughton told BBC Radio Newcastle: "If we were sitting pretty in the middle of the table I'd be more pleased.

"The position we're in it's points that count at this time."

The result leaves Newcastle 16th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone on 28 points.

The game also saw striker Alan Smith make his first appearance since suffering an Achilles injury in August 2008.

And Hughton said that he hopes that more injury absentees will soon return to action and boost the size of his squad.

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"We're hopeful that Damien Duff and Michael Owen will also be available for next week's game, so I think the introduction of these players back into our squad will give us a lift," said Hughton.

"Nicky Butt ended up sitting on the bench and that shows the quality of the squad and the spirit that we have here.

"He was ruled out today but he was desperate to play and it was a bit of a risk to put him in but he forced it himself.

"We're going to need that fighting spirit at the end of the season."

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