Paul Scholes picks out two Man Utd stars for extra criticism after Newcastle loss - The Mirror

It proved to be a frustrating evening at the office for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag's men slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, thanks to Anthony Gordon's winner

Paul Scholes has hammered Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag's side came into the game off the back of three straight Premier League victories but struggled throughout the majority of the contest at St James' Park. Anthony Gordon scored the winner in the second half to condemn United to their first top-flight defeat since October.

After the game, Scholes took aim at Rashford, who put in poor performance and was substituted in the 61st minute. The England international has scored just one Premier League goal this season and hasn't been able to find his feet after impressing during Ten Hag's first season in charge.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Scholes said: "What is he (Rashford) surprised about? I don't get it. What is he thinking he should still be on the pitch for? He was causing the team more harm than good.

"Marcus last year was brilliant and he's got ability, there is no doubt about that. But when you decide to walk back like was, and he comes off and behaves like that, I do not think it's good for the team.

"And he's one of the most experienced players now. He’s a player that players look up to. Mainoo looks up to him. Garnacho looks up to him."

Scholes also criticised Fernandes, who wasn't at his best against Newcastle. He slammed the Portugal midfielder for 'upsetting the formation' as United drew a blank on Tyneside. "Bruno is another one," Scholes added. "Look, he’s got fantastic ability, he can score a goal and make a goal, but I would love to be in the dressing room before a game and see what the manager is asking him to do.

"What position is he asking him to play? Where are you supposed to be on the football pitch? I see him as a No.10, it’s his best position as he can play a pass and he can get a goal.

"Where was he tonight? He was never in that position. I see him on the left, the right, sometimes he is the deepest Manchester United player, getting the goal off the goalkeeper. I don’t think that is healthy for the team. It upsets the formation and it upsets the way of playing. We don’t know, the manager might be telling him to do it, but it looks like he goes out and does what he wants on the field."

This isn't the first time Scholes has slammed Fernandes. Following the 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Wednesday, Scholes told the ex-Sporting CP man to "take responsibility" after he "gave two stupid fouls away that led to goals". That result left United's chances of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League hanging by a thread.

United's defeat at Newcastle saw them move down to seventh, although they could drop another place if Brighton win on Sunday. The Red Devils, who are back in Premier League action against Chelsea on Wednesday, have won eight and lost six of their 14 top-flight matches so far this season.

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