The Dutchman got into a heated argument with the French forward after the head coach singled him and Marcus Rashford out for criticism for failing to track back before halftime.

Erik ten Hag played down a clash with Anthony Martial as Manchester United suffered their sixth defeat of the season, ending their hopes of finishing in the top four.

The Dutchman got into a heated argument with the French forward after the head coach singled him and Marcus Rashford out for criticism for failing to track back before halftime.

The ineffective striker duo were hauled off on the hour, as United extended their record of not winning away at a top-eight Premier League team since October 2021, a run of 13 games.

Ten Hag said: “It’s not about Anthony Martial, I don’t go into individual performances. I tried to energise the team and tried to get a reaction. We had a tough period and it’s normal that your coaching is a little bit more aggressive.”

Rashford has looked a shadow of the player who scored 34 times last season, and Ten Hag added: “He’s investing a lot and we’ll support him. He will return to form. He works hard and he will recover and he will get all our support.

“Give credit to Newcastle, they were better than us – more proactive. We allowed them a goal but then fought back and had two good late chances.

“If you lose you’re always unhappy and we will talk with the team about why. We’re resilient and we have to get ready for the next game on Wednesday and don’t stay too long on this game. The team is resilient and has the character to bounce back.

“I’m not hoping (they will get better) – I am sure. You always want to play the perfect game but we have so many games in a short period and we know we have to pick it up. “