Man Utd's Marcus Rashford blasted for being ‘one of the worst in the league’ off the ball

Rashford has been criticised for his disappointing performances for United in recent weeks and was dropped to the bench for their midweek clash against Chelsea after a particularly damning display against Newcastle. Hughes, who spent seven years as a player at United, believes the England international must do more off the ball.

"The lads need to track back and if they lose possession, they have to regain it as quick as they can," he said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. "If you compare them to how Man City react when they lose the ball, it’s chalk and cheese. If Phil Foden loses the ball on the right hand-side, he wins it back, same with Jack Grealish. Rashford is an outstanding talent and is one of the best in the league when it comes to taking someone on, but without the ball, he’s probably one of the worst. He’s got to sort that part out."

Rashford has scored just two goals and registered one assist for United this season and Hughes feels he lacks focus, adding: "I don’t think the players go out with the intention of not trying, that doesn’t happen, but I think [Marcus] Rashford has slipped back into the mindset that he had prior to last season – he doesn’t look happy. He obviously had a lot going on outside the game which maybe took something away from him, and perhaps he just needs to focus back solely on what his role is when he’s asked to put on the shirt for Man United."

After playing a small role from the bench in their midweek match, Rashford will hope to convince coach Erik ten Hag to let him return to the starting XI for their Premier League encounter against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.