'Too much negativity' - Erik ten Hag launches defence of Marcus Rashford after Man United goal

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Erik ten Hag believes the criticism Marcus Rashford has faced over the last two weeks has been too strong and backed the academy graduate to go on a scoring spree after netting his first of the season.

Rashford got off the mark for the campaign in Manchester United's 3-0 win at Southampton, ending a goal drought stretching back to mid-March and the 4-3 win against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

The 26-year-old had faced criticism for his performance in the Premier League reverse to Liverpool two weeks ago but he responded by scoring from 20 yards at St Mary's and looked a threat after finding the back of the net. ALSO READ: United player ratings as Martinez and Amad superb vs Southampton ALSO READ: Touchline exchange pays off for United in perfect win vs Southampton "It’s very important, we don’t pay attention to what the outside world is saying but there was too much negativity to him," said Ten Hag. "He created two great chances in that game [the defeat to Liverpool], in other games this season he has played very well.

He deserved that goal but you had to work for it. That is what he is doing and then you get a reward. He scored a great goal." United's away-dayers got behind Rashford after he scored late in the first half, breaking into a sustained rendition of their 'Rashford is red' chant.