Michail Antonio has theory over Marcus Rashford’s displays for Manchester United this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Marcus Rashford has cut a frustrated figure under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this season.

The 26-year-old has managed just two goals and four assists in 18 appearances so far this term.

It comes after Rashford enjoyed his best season to date in a Manchester United shirt last time out, netting 30 times and providing 11 assists in all competitions.

His latest display at St James’ Park led to criticism from Alan Shearer, with the Newcastle claiming Rashford’s work-rate on the night was simply unacceptable.

But after an underwhelming start to the campaign, West Ham forward Michail Antonio has offered up a theory as to why Rashford isn’t tracking back to help his full-back out.

Antonio has theory over Rashford’s recent displays for United

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, the Hammers striker suggested Ten Hag could be telling Rashford to remain in an advanced position, rather than tracking back.

“It might be a situation where Ten Hag might be telling him you don’t have to track, if anything falls inside then let one of the midfielders come out and cover you,” Antonio said.

“Nobody can really critique him or say what is actually going on, because nobody knows what the manager is actually saying to him.

“Obviously it looks bad to people looking onto the field, because it looks like he keeps letting his man go, and the full-back is getting doubled up on.”

Rashford was undoubtedly one of United’s worst players in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.

The Englishman seems to be lacking in confidence this season and his dip in form couldn’t have come at a more troublesome time for Ten Hag.

The Dutchman is under increased pressure to deliver results after an underwhelming start to the season.

Ten Hag will need Rashford back to his best over the coming weeks if he is to guide United through a difficult period.

It will be intriguing to see if he sticks by the winger tonight as United face Chelsea at Old Trafford.