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Haidara: "The Fans Were Brilliant"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Massadio Haidara paid tribute to United's "brilliant" support, on a bittersweet night for the Frenchman
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Massadio Haidara paid tribute to United's "brilliant" travelling support, on a bittersweet night for the French full-back at Swansea.
After frustrating spells on the treatment table this term, Haidara stepped off the substitutes' bench at the Liberty Stadium to make his first Premier League appearance of the season.
However, while that was a major positive for the 21-year-old, he was unable to inspire Newcastle to a fifth straight win, as they went down 3-0 in South Wales.
At the final whistle, Haidara went over to applaud the 1,000-strong Toon Army before giving one lucky fan his shirt, and he hopes to be celebrating a victory in front of them at Manchester United on Saturday.
"I am very happy I was on the pitch because it has been a long time since I played in the Premier League. My last game was in April," the former Nancy player told nufc.co.uk.
"But at the same time I am angry because we lost the game. We wanted to win and everyone is disappointed.
"The fans were brilliant again, even though it was not the result that anyone wanted.
"It was a long journey for them and it was very cold. They came to support the team and the least I can do is give them my shirt.
"Hopefully on Saturday we can make them happier."
Nathan Dyer fired City ahead on the stroke of half-time and they put the game out of sight after the break through a Mathieu Debuchy own goal and Jonjo Shelvey's top-corner effort.
"It was a difficult game because Swansea are a good team," said Haidara.
"When we conceded a goal just before half-time it made it difficult for the team but we came out in the second half and tried to equalise.
"Swansea scored two more which was very hard on us but we need to stay strong and be much better on Saturday against Manchester United."