Erik ten Hag hits out at Alan Shearer’s ‘stupid’ analysis of Marcus Rashford’s performance against Brighton – after the Man United forward was singled out for criticism by the Match of the Day pundit

Erik ten Hag has branded Alan Shearer’s criticism of Marcus Rashford’s form for Manchester United this season as ‘stupid’.

BBC pundit Shearer singled out Rashford on Match of the Day last weekend after he was substituted in United’s defeat at Brighton.

The former England striker described the number of times Rashford was caught offside at the Amex Stadium as ‘staggering’ and criticised his lack of goal threat.

‘He’s had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he’s not had one shot at goal,’ said Shearer.

‘On today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham, it’s not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal.’

Alan Shearer was critical of his performance after he was caught offside multiple times

Erik ten Hag has hit out at Shearer, branding his criticism of the 26-year-old as ‘stupid’

Ten Hag leapt to Rashford’s defence when he was asked about Shearer’s comments ahead of United’s game against Liverpool tomorrow.

‘If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It can be sometimes, but definitely it wasn’t in this case. Stupid analysis from the pundit.

‘I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season and 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.’