Pardew blasted agents for distracting some of his players after United’s disappointing draw with Aston Villa.
Malcolm Macdonald: “It seems that certain Newcastle players who helped fashion a fifth-top finish last season have been targeted for unsettling promises which never materialised.
“They have been left bemused and, it would seem, on a downer. Certainly it showed in the body language of some against Aston Villa.
“Well, if I was in United’s boardroom I would move Heaven and Earth to get confirmation of which agents were at fault and report them to football’s hierarchy.
“It is an absolute disgrace to unsettle footballers in this way. United have been left to pick up the pieces and it could cost them.”