Erik ten Hag blasts ‘stupid’ comments on Manchester United star from Premier League legend

2 weeks ago 1

Erik ten Hag has dismissed criticism of Marcus Rashford from Alan Shearer, accusing the Premier League legend of ‘stupid analysis’ on his striker.

Rashford has started Manchester United’s first two games of the Premier League season and his goal-scoring struggles of the last campaign have continued.

The England international netted just seven times in 33 league appearances last season and he is yet to find the back of the net this time round or, as Shearer notes, even have a shot on target.

‘He’s had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he’s not had one shot at goal,’ said Shearer on Match of the Day after defeat to Brighton last weekend.

‘On today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham [on the opening day of the season], it’s not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal.

‘Fifty-seven goals they scored last season. That was the worst in the top half. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought in there [as coach]. He’s going to have to work his magic somehow.’

The Red Devils have scored two goals in their first two league games and will be looking to add to that when they host Liverpool on Sunday.

Ahead of that encounter at Old Trafford, Shearer’s comments were put to Ten Hag and he was not impresed.

‘Everyone gets criticism from you guys, it doesn’t matter what we are doing, if we are winning or if we are losing,’ he said.

‘If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him. But I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham and also against Brighton.

‘I didn’t take him off because his performances or level were not right – no, we had to rotate because we have good players on the bench who bring new energy.

‘There will be rotation. Then there is the conclusion the player is not performing. It can be sometimes but definitely it wasn’t in this case. In this case, it was stupid analysis from the pundit.’