Alan Shearer has singled out Marcus Rashford as one of four Manchester United players he accused of ‘giving up’ in the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.

Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game at St James’ Park on Saturday night as United suffered their sixth loss in 14 Premier League outings this season.

The scoreline flattered the visitors who delivered a dismal performance and were comprehensively outfought and outplayed over the course of an embarrassingly one-sided affair.

‘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 who ‘gave up’ in the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday

Shearer said a number of Erik ten Hag’s players had a ‘bad attitude’ at St James’ Park

‘I thought their attitude was awful and it highlighted some of the really bad attitudes they clearly have.

‘When it’s tough and when it’s hard, 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 were not prepared to roll their sleeves up and gave up far too easily and didn’t want to fight.’

Ten Hag was visibly frustrated with some of his players on Saturday night and argued with Anthony Martial after the striker’s failure to track back a Newcastle break almost resulted in a goal for Miguel Almiron.

The Frenchman remonstrated with the manager and was eventually hauled off after an hour in place of Rasmus Hojlund.

Marcus Rashford endured a similarly disappointing night, repeatedly giving away possession and seemingly making very little effort to run back and help out defensively.

The England international scored 30 goals in all competitions last season and was rewarded with a five-year deal worth £300,000-a-week summer, but has found the net just twice this season.

Rashford cut a frustrated figure as he was substituted and Shearer warned his lack of effort and negative body language were a concern once again. 

Rashford’s body language and his lack of efforts at St James’ Park were a concern

Anthony Martial was similarly ineffective and failed to justify his inclusion in the starting XI

Shearer insisted United are a ‘basket case of a club’ and remain miles away from being successful under ten Hag

‘When you look at Rashford’s performance from yesterday, he didn’t look like he wanted to be there at all,’ he said.

‘When he got dragged off, you could see his reaction.’

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, Jamie Carragher described Rashford’s performance as ‘unacceptable’ for failing in his leadership duties as a ‘local’ player.

‘Watching Rashford he reminds me of Martial and that is worst possible thing you can say about him,’ he said.

‘Foreign player comes in and doesn’t really care. Rashford is now looing like Martial.’ 

Ten Hag declined to discuss Rashford’s performance after the defeat against Newcastle but said he would speak to the England international privately.

The loss at St James’ Park leaves United seventh in the table, five points away from a top four place.

United host Chelsea and Bournemouth over the next six days, before a daunting trip to Anfield, where they lost 7-0 last season.

They must also 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 pitch is unfolding against the backdrop of the takeover saga, which has now entered its 13 month. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to acquire a 25 percent stake in United, but the deal is yet to be formally ratified.

Martial and ten Hag appeared to argue in the first half, before the Frenchman was eventually substituted after an hour 

And Shearer admitted the ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes only made ten Hag’s job more difficult.

‘It’s a basket case of a football club,’ he said.

‘I don’t see it [United getting better] happening any time soon. It’s a long term job, it’s been a long term job already. 

‘They have been nowhere near where they wanna be for a number of years now and eventually what happens with the owners comes down onto the pitch.’