Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has fiercely defended Marcus Rashford after the forward came under fire from former England captain Alan Shearer, Soccernet.football reports.
Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, criticised Rashford during Match of the Day for being caught offside in United’s recent 3-1 defeat to Brighton. He also pointed out that Rashford is yet to register a shot on target this season.
In response, Ten Hag dismissed Shearer’s comments as “stupid” analysis, asserting that Rashford’s performance was not the reason behind his substitution during the match.
“Everyone gets criticism from you guys,” the Red Devils coach said as per BBC.
“It doesn’t matter what we are doing, if we are winning, if we are losing, if I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him.
He further elaborated on Rashford’s role in the team, saying, “I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham, and also against Brighton.
“It is not why I took him off because his performances or level were not right – no, we had to rotate and we have good players on the bench as well, who bring new energy.
“There will be rotation, and if then there is the conclusion the player is not performing, it can be sometimes, [but] definitely it wasn’t in this case. Stupid analysis in this case from the pundit.”
Ten Hag also addressed the impending departure of Scott McTominay, who is set to join Napoli for £25 million.
The Manchester United boss expressed his reluctance to lose the homegrown midfielder, stating, “I wouldn’t prefer to lose him. He is Manchester United in everything. He was so important for Manchester United. He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately, it is the rules.”
Ten Hag explained that the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) played a significant role in the decision, as homegrown players count as pure profit, making them more valuable in the transfer market.
While McTominay’s sale is considered a good deal for all parties, Ten Hag acknowledged the drawbacks of the rule.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, expected to fill McTominay’s role, has not been registered in time for United’s upcoming clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.