Nani has called on Manchester United's under-fire squad to show more fighting spirit.

Erik ten Hag's men fell to a second 3-0 home defeat in the space of four days on Wednesday night when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle in the fourth round.

United's latest setback followed a humbling reverse to old foes Manchester City last Sunday, which left the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League table.

The Magpies' victory means the Old Trafford outfit have now lost eight of their 15 matches in all competitions this term.

Reflecting on his former club's plight, Portuguese attacker Nani told podcast 1 PARA 1: "When we used to play at Manchester [United], one of the things that defined the club was that you could be losing 3-0 with 15 minutes, 10 minutes left in a game and that's when you saw what mental strength means.

"It's no longer about talent, it's about pushing the ball into the goal. We did that, we did what was necessary.

"Now, when you watch Manchester play, you see a lot of talent, maybe more talent than in our time in terms of technique and they're all technically gifted.

"But when you watch the game, there's no spirit of sacrifice, no fighting spirit. 

"A real player, a star at Manchester has to unlock the game — if they don't, it won't work."

Nani, 36, is now playing in the Turkish Lig with Adana Demirspor, following spells in Australia, Italy, the United States and in his homeland with Sporting.

His former team-mate in Lisbon Bruno Fernandes has received fierce criticism since taking the captain's armband last July.

But Nani has defended his ex-colleague, who will hope to end United's turmoil when Ten Hag's men travel to Fulham on Saturday.

He added: "Manchester already has great players. We have Bruno Fernandes. 

"If Bruno Fernandes wasn't playing well, I'd criticise him too but for example, the sacrifice and effort he puts into the game, he does it. We see it.

"He works hard, gives his all and contributes. It's just that many others don't keep up with it."