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The season is going from bad to worse for Erik ten Hag and his team. Already contending with injuries and outside-the-pitch controversies, the match against Newcastle highlighted a fresh problem. Some players are not showing the required attitude and commitment to play for the badge. While Ten Hag publicly backs his players, everyone does not favor this approach. The Manchester United management has not impressed the experts at ESPN FC for defending the ‘disinterested’ players.

While Newcastle only won 1-0, the scoreline was flattering, to say the least. Newcastle dominated the possession 59-41% and recorded 22 shots in the match. For Manchester United, Marcus Rashford bore the brunt of the criticism for his lack of effort. Could he be one of the ‘disinterested’ players being referred to?

Pundit lashes out at players who pose a problem for Erik ten Hag!

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Don Hutchinson and Gabriele Marcotti addressed United’s problems at the ESPN FC show. Newcastle supporter Hutchinson said, “We trampled all over Manchester United, they didn’t want, they didn’t fancy it, they didn’t work hard enough.” It comes out as an emphatic and straightforward statement. He added, “I think they’ve got a terrible dressing room.” The duo also outlined a vital difference between the old Manchester United teams and Erik Ten Hag’s side. 

As per Marcotti, “If the players seem as disinterested and this is a new thing I think with United even before when they were bad it felt like the players were still but when I look at Rashford, Martial I don’t.” It looks like Rashford and Martial are out of favor with both the fans and the pundits.

The duo added that Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Alejandro Garnacho’s output is a dilemma because they have just four league goals combined. Hence, that begs to reason why Erik Ten Hag favors these players!

Read More: Erik ten Hag Laughs off Cristiano Ronaldo Comparisons for Alejandro Garnacho After 19YO Emulates CR7’s Iconic Goal-Scoring Celebration

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Should Ten Hag adopt a more ruthless approach?

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial completed just 20 passes and zero shots between them against Newcastle. Even worse was their defensive output, with the players making 0 tackles combined. Former United legend Paul Scholes labeled their performance as lazy. Yet, Ten Hag did not call out his attackers.

In fact, he went the opposite route and insisted that he would continue to support Rashford. Considering Rashford and Martial are on course to having their worst-ever seasons, should the Dutch tactician move on from the long-serving duo? Have your say in the comments below.

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