Alan Shearer has doubled down on his belief that Marcus Rashford must work harder – despite angering Erik ten Hag with his criticism of the Manchester United star.
Rashford is yet to have a shot on goal in the Premier League this season and was hooked against Brighton last Saturday after just 60 minutes on the pitch.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer criticised Rashford and said that he must up his performance levels.
This prompted Ten Hag to launch a staunch defence of the England international, blasting Shearer’s ‘stupid analysis’ in the process.
Alan Shearer has doubled down on his belief that Marcus Rashford must work harder – despite angering Erik ten Hag with his criticism of the Manchester United star
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But the Match of the Day pundit, speaking to Betfair, has refused to let off and called on Rashford to improve his performances with haste.
“I talked on Match of the Day about Marcus Rashford, in terms of him having two games now and he’s not had a shot at goal,” he said.
“I do still think they need to improve in forward areas. I know they’ve signed [Joshua] Zirkzee and he hasn’t had a start as yet and [Rasmus] Hojlund is out injured, but it’s a big ask from those two.
“There’s only one way Rashford can re-find his best form and that’s to work hard, and then when you think you can’t work any harder, you push yourself once again.
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“You do it on the training ground every single day and then you find a bit of a spark, and it works.
“We’ve seen the ability. I mean, three years ago he was so powerful on and off the pitch.
“He could sit down with Prime Ministers and all the great work he was doing off the pitch was matched on the pitch when he was scoring over 30 goals.
“There’s no doubt it’s in there for Marcus Rashford but it’s about having the right attitude and the confidence and then it’ll click. For his and Man United’s sake, I hope that’s pretty soon.
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“I suffered a lack of self-confidence at times in my career; every player will find things hard at some stage.
“It’s not all smelling of roses for 15-20 years of your career – there are times where your back is against the wall and you must be mentally strong, but the only way to get through it is to keep going, working hard and practicing.
“That’s what Rashford must do. I don’t see him train and I don’t know him individually but there’s no doubt the talent’s there.
“It’s just about having the belief and attitude to try and get better.”
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Alan Shearer’s analysis was dubbed ‘stupid’ by Erik ten Hag ahead of Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Liverpool
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Rashford is widely expected to start for United in their crunch showdown with fierce rivals Liverpool today.
It promises to be a fascinating clash at Old Trafford, with Liverpool still an unknown quantity under Arne Slot.
United beat Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last term, with Amad Diallo scoring a dramatic late winner.
The same fixture ended 2-2 in the Premier League, with Mohamed Salah’s late penalty earning a draw for the Reds.
Alan Shearer believes Marcus Rashford must graft harder ahead of Man Utd’s showdown with Liverpool
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United have three points from a possible six, having beaten Fulham before losing to Brighton.
Liverpool have won their first two games against Ipswich Town and Brentford to give Slot the perfect start to life at Anfield.