Alan Shearer has hit back at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman labeled his analysis of Marcus Rashford as “stupid.” United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, featuring goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, was their second loss in three Premier League matches, further fueling criticism of both the team’s performances and Rashford’s form.
Shearer had previously criticised Rashford, stating that the 26-year-old forward hadn’t been “anywhere near good enough in front of goal” this season. Ahead of Sunday’s game, Rashford had failed to score in any of United’s Premier League matches. Shearer pointed out that Rashford hadn’t managed a single shot in his first two appearances this season.
Despite Ten Hag defending his star player, Shearer wasted no time in responding to United’s latest defeat. Speaking on *The Rest Is Football* podcast, Shearer remarked, “Look at their performance today… and then see.” He also emphasized that little had changed for United over the summer. “Certainly not in the performances we’ve seen,” Shearer added, as he described United being “absolutely battered” by Liverpool.
United’s dismal start to the season leaves them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, with growing uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future at the club. The team’s struggles in front of goal mirror Rashford’s difficulties, as the forward has yet to open his account this season.
Shearer’s criticism of Rashford’s form had first surfaced on *Match of the Day*, where he highlighted the team’s lack of attacking efficiency. “He’s had two games this season, Marcus Rashford, and he’s not had one shot at goal,” Shearer said. “57 goals they [United] scored last season. That was the worst in the top half.” He added that newly-appointed coach Ruud van Nistelrooy would need to work hard to improve United’s attacking output, especially with the absence of striker Rasmus Hojlund due to injury.
Ten Hag, visibly irritated by Shearer’s remarks, defended his player, saying, “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.” He insisted that Rashford’s performances had been solid in preseason and the early games, adding that the forward’s removal from matches was simply part of a rotation strategy. Ten Hag concluded by calling Shearer’s comments a “stupid analysis.”
However, after Sunday’s heavy defeat to Liverpool, Shearer’s critique seems to resonate with many fans questioning United’s current form. The pressure on Ten Hag is mounting, as the team’s poor performances and Rashford’s lack of goals have raised doubts about the Dutchman’s ability to turn things around this season.
With United already struggling just weeks into the new campaign, both Ten Hag and Rashford will need to find a solution quickly to avoid further scrutiny.