Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended his striker Marcus Rashford after he received criticism from Sky pundit Gary Neville, following Thursday night’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.
“He’s not right, and it’s not just a case of him not playing well, he doesn’t look happy,” Neville said on his Stick To Football podcast.
“I’m looking at him and thinking, I am worried about him. We know there’s been a couple of instances this season, he’s come under pressure and his form has been bad, but I look at him and think that’s not right. It’s not a lad that’s grown up with the freedom and spirit of playing for Manchester United as a kid.”
However, as United prepare for Sunday’s game against Liverpool, Ten Hag took the opportunity to defend his player.
“Lately his form is progressing,” said the boss. “I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us.
“He wants to score goals but he wants to win trophies and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high.
“He can change the momentum. Before Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”