Erik ten Hag revealed why he blasted Anthony Martial during the defeat to Newcastle.

The Manchester United boss was spotted raging at his No9 from the sidelines at St James’ Park.

Erik ten Hag and Anthony Martial argued during Manchester United’s defeat at Newcastle Credit: TNT Sports

There was a handshake between the pair when the Frenchman was subbed off Credit: EPA

And the Frenchman appeared to fire back at his manager, throwing his arms out.

However, Ten Hag insisted the public spat was nothing personal – and was instead an attempt to fire up his struggling squad.

The Dutchman said: “It’s not about Anthony Martial, it’s about the team.

“I try to energise the team and try to get a reaction from the team in this moment.

“As you see, we had a tough period and when you’re coaching you are a little more aggressive, so that’s normal.”

Martial started up front for United in the freezing cold away at Newcastle.

But he was hauled off on 61 minutes – six minutes after Anthony Gordon’s winner – with Rasmus Hojlund sent on in his place.

There was an amicable handshake between the former Monaco forward and his gaffer on the touchline.

But fans were still concerned by yet another altercation between Ten Hag and his players – following the incidents with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, while Raphael Varane is currently frozen out.

One moaned “enough is enough” while another slammed: “Both gone at the end of the season.”

And TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas was not a fan of the blatant row.

He said: “This seems to be the culture within the team at the minute, a lot of arms raised, a lot of blaming each other and no cohesiveness, they’re not together.

“He (Ten Hag) can feel it, he knows they’re not going to win this game unless they’re not together.”