Manchester United’s stars are SLAMMED for ‘really bad attitude’, as Alan Shearer names Marcus Rashford as one of FOUR players who ‘gave up’ at Newcastle in scathing takedown of their ‘terrible mess’
Alan Shearer has singled out Marcus Rashford as one of four Manchester United players he accused of 'giving up' in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the match at St James' Park on Saturday evening as United suffered their sixth defeat in fourteen Premier League matches this season.
The scoreline flattered the visitors who put in a dismal performance and were thoroughly outplayed and outplayed over the course of an embarrassingly one-sided affair.
Speaking The Rest is Football podcastShearer suggested the manner of the defeat spoke volumes for the attitude of some United players.
“I thought they were a mess, I thought they were terrible,” he said.
Alan Shearer said Marcus Rashford was one of four Manchester United players to 'give up' in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle
Shearer said some of Erik ten Hag's players had 'bad attitudes'
'I thought their attitude was appalling and it highlighted the really bad attitude they clearly have.
“When things are tough and when things are tough, you see the players who want to play for you and you see the players who want to support you as a manager and as a fan.
“And I thought there were three or four players yesterday who weren't willing to roll up their sleeves and gave up way too easily and didn't want to fight.”
Ten Hag was visibly frustrated with some of his players on Saturday evening, feuding with Anthony Martial after the striker's inability to trace a Newcastle break almost resulted in a goal for Miguel Almiron.
The Frenchman protested to the manager and was eventually taken off the field after an hour in place of Rasmus Hojlund.
Marcus Rashford endured a similarly disappointing evening, repeatedly giving away possession and seemingly making little effort to run back and help defensively.
The England international scored 30 goals in all competitions last season and was rewarded with a five-year contract worth £300,000 per week in the summer, but has only found the net twice this term.
Rashford cut a frustrated figure when he was substituted and Shearer warned that his lack of effort and negative body language were again a concern.
Rashford's body language and lack of effort at St James' Park were a concern
Anthony Martial was also ineffective and failed to justify his inclusion in the starting XI
Shearer insisted United are a 'basketball case of a club' and are miles away from success under Ten Hag
“If you look at Rashford's performance yesterday, he didn't look like he wanted to be there at all,” he said.
“When he was dragged away, you could see his reaction.”
Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports on Sunday that Rashford's performance was 'unacceptable' because he failed in his leadership duties as a 'local' player.
“When I look at Rashford he reminds me of Martial and that's the worst thing you can say about him,” he said.
'Foreign players come in and they don't really care. Rashford now walks around like Martial.'
Ten Hag refused to discuss Rashford's performance after the defeat to Newcastle but said he would speak to the England international privately.
The loss at St James' Park leaves United in seventh place, five points away from a top-four finish.
United host Chelsea and Bournemouth over the next six days before a tricky trip to Anfield, where they lost 7-0 last season.
They also need to beat Bayern Munich on December 12 if they are to have any hope of progressing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
A disappointing season on the field is unfolding against the backdrop of the takeover saga, which is now entering its thirteen months.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is close to acquiring a 25 percent stake in United, but the deal has yet to be formally ratified.
Martial and ten Hag appeared to have an argument in the first half, before the Frenchman was eventually substituted after an hour
And Shearer admitted that the continued uncertainty behind the scenes only made Ten Hag's job more difficult.
“It's a football club basket,” he said.
'I don't see it happening anytime soon (United getting better). It's a long-term job, it's already a long-term job.
“They haven't been where they want to be for a number of years and ultimately what happens to the owners ends up on the pitch.”