Manchester United season reaches new low as Erik ten Hag and Anthony Martial clash

Erik ten Hag and Anthony Martial were caught in a heated exchange as Manchester United suffered a defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Surprisingly, Martial was included in the attack by Ten Hag, with Rasmus Hojlund on the bench. However, the French striker struggled to make an impact in the first half, while United had to withstand an attacking onslaught from the home team.

As frustrations mounted, Ten Hag, on the touchline, demanded more effort from Martial, who, in a clear show of dissent, hit back at his manager.

At half-time, TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas criticized the attitude and work rate exhibited by Martial and Alejandro Garnacho.

“I think it was poor, I think his body language was shocking throughout the game, I really do,” Jenas said. “There have been too many moments like this and throwing his arms about.

“I think he is sending a message to his manager almost like ‘I don’t want to play out here’. He is looking at [Alejandro] Garnacho on the left, and it’s criminal putting your team under that type of pressure by not doing your duties as a wide man and tracking back.

“It’s clear as well, [Tino] Livramento knows that he does not want to go with him. He’s never there and it’s time and time again. He has no interest in tracking him back and [Harry] Maguire and [Luke] Shaw are constantly coming to the rescue due to the ineptitude of the wide players and it’s not just them, by the way.

“Fabian Schar is running past [Anthony] Martial. [Kieran] Trippier is running past Garnacho – all over the park they are second best and Newcastle were just not able to capitalize.”

Martial was eventually substituted by Ten Hag in the second half, marking over three years since Martial last completed a full 90 minutes in the Premier League.

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