Erik ten Hag used Cristiano Ronaldo’s ketchup bottle analogy to describe what he hopes will now be a run of goals for Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United manager has been forced to respond to Ronaldo’s criticisms of him over recent months but this time adopted one of his lines.

Talking about Rashford’s first goal of the season, Ten Hag said he hoped it would be like a ketchup bottle that is slow to release the condiment but then flows smoothly.

Ten Hag said: “Once a striker [Ronaldo] was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going [goals are being scored], it’s coming more.”

He said the criticism of Rashford after the Liverpool defeat this month had been disproportionate.

“It’s very important we don’t pay attention to what the outside world is saying but there was too much negativity to him,” Ten Hag said.

“He created two great chances in that game [the defeat to Liverpool], in other games this season he has played very well.

“He deserved that goal [against Southampton] but he had to work for it. That is what he is doing and then you get a reward.”

Ten Hag also called upon the Premier League to review its fixture programming in reference to United’s early second early kick-off of the season on the south coast – in an echo of Jurgen Klopp’s 12.30pm complaints.

United beat Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s in their second 12.30 pm kick-off, broadcast live by TNT Sport, of the season so far. They lost to Brighton in an early kick-off at the end of last month. Klopp would often complain that his Liverpool teams were the victim of unfair scheduling and Ten Hag claims Saturday’s start time was unfair on United fans travelling from the North-West.

Ten Hag said many of his players had come back late in the week from international duty. “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this. Also with 8pm away games on a Saturday night. The 12.30pm [kick-off], it’s not right, but they [the fans] are always there. I’m so proud of our fans that they are always there, whatever happens on the pitch, they are always supportive of the team and there is a really good connection. They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford and also at away games.

“I think the Premier League should pay some attention to this. It’s a big disadvantage [for the players] but we have to deal with it. The players are mature. It doesn’t matter [what the game] they always have to win. We can’t bring any excuses.”