ERIK TEN HAG has branded Alan Shearer stupid for his criticism of Marcus Rashford.
The former Newcastle ace tore into Rashford on Match of the Day for his performance against Brighton in which he was subbed after 65 minutes.
Shearer said: “He’s had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he’s not had one shot at goal
“57 goals they scored last season. That was the worst in the top half.
“So, Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been brought into there. He’s going to have to work his magic somehow.
“I know they’ve got Hojlund out injured, but when he comes in he’s going to have to improve on that because on today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham it’s not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal.”
But Ten Hag hit back saying he has been happy with Rashford’s form in the pre-season and opening two Premier League games of the season.
Ten Hag said: “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.
“I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham, also against Brighton.
“It is not why I took him off because his performance or level was not right – no, we had to rotate and we have good players on the bench as well, you bring new energy.
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“There will be rotation and if then there is the conclusion the player is not performing. Can be sometimes, definitely, it wasn’t in this case.
“Stupid analysis in this case from the pundit.”
Rashford posted career-best figures of 30 goals two seasons ago but that dropped to eight in the last campaign as he lost his first-team place at United and also the England squad for the Euros.
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ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
