Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has blasted owner Mike Ashley after defeat to Sheffield United.

The Magpies became the first side to lose to Sheffield United in the Premier League this season as they were beaten 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening.

"What really irks me is how little protection Steve (Bruce, manager) has received from the people above him," he wrote in his Athletic column.

"Where is Lee Charnley (the managing director)? What happened to that statement of his where he admitted the error of not communicating with fans? Where is his backing for the manager? Where is the strategy? Come on, Lee, where are you? Where is anyone, aside from Steve?

"I can't believe he's having to deal with questions about furloughing staff, giving tickets away, about coronavirus, about a takeover. These shouldn't be issues for the manager. It's a tough and lonely enough job as it is. The point is, he's on his own.

"It would have been the same if somebody else had come in and it will be the same for the next manager and the one after that if nothing else changes, because it's the way Newcastle are built under Ashley. The manager takes it all on his shoulders; a concentration of anger, stretching back years."