Erik ten Hag: Alan Shearer ‘stupid’ for criticising Marcus Rashford

Erik ten Hag has branded Alan Shearer’s criticism of Marcus Rashford “stupid” as the Manchester United manager jumped to the defence of his misfiring England forward.

Shearer was heavily critical of Rashford’s performances in the 2-1 defeat by Brighton and opening 1-0 win over Fulham.

As well as berating Rashford for his lack of end product in front of goal, the former England captain also rebuked the United striker for running offside too much against Brighton before being substituted in the 65th minute.

But Ten Hag has hit back at Shearer ahead of United’s Premier League match at home to Liverpool on Sunday when Rashford will be looking for only his third league goal at Old Trafford since January as he bids to bounce back from last season’s torrid campaign.

“Everyone gets criticism from you guys, 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,” Ten Hag said.

“I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham, 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, you bring new energy.

“There will be rotation and if then there is the conclusion the player is not performing – [it] can be sometimes, definitely it wasn’t in this case. Stupid analysis in this case from the pundits.”

Shearer had said of Rashford on Match of the Day: “He’s had two games this season, Marcus Rashford, and he’s not had one shot at goal.

“Fifty-seven goals they [United] scored last season [in the league]. That was the worst in the top half.

“So, Ruud van Nistelrooy [Ten Hag’s new assistant] has been brought into there. He’s going to have to work his magic somehow.

“I know they’ve got [Rasmus] Hojlund out injured, but when he comes in he’s [Rashford] going to have to improve on that because on [this] evidence and in the game against Fulham he’s not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal.”

Ten Hag has been easing in new signing Joshua Zirkzee, who scored the late winner over Fulham.

Hojlund was ruled out for six weeks last month after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season against Arsenal, although Ten Hag said he was still unsure exactly when the Denmark striker would return after the international break.

“After the break but when after the break... I think it is three weeks from now and we have to see how it develops to get match fit,” Ten Hag said when asked when Hojlund would return. “He returns on the pitch but it will take a while. You need also to build some fitness.”