What Alan Shearer told Marcus Rashford in private call to help out-of-sorts Man Utd star

Rangnick insists Man Utd players are adapting to his methodsx

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Alan Shearer has reportedly contacted Marcus Rashford to offer his advice and support to the misfiring Manchester United forward as he seeks an end to his lacklustre run of recent form. The 24-year-old has struggled to deliver on a consistent basis for the Red Devils this season, with his role and importance in the squad diminishing as a result.

Rashford has only started seven Premier League matches for United since the beginning of the campaign, chipping in with two goals and an assist in the process.

He has failed to score in each of his last 11 outings in all competitions and saw part of the Old Trafford crowd turn against him during Monday evening’s FA Cup third round victory over Aston Villa.

Rashford was expected by many to improve on last season’s efforts this time around after undergoing surgery to correct a shoulder injury over the summer.

He carried the issue for the vast majority of the previous campaign, receiving plenty of injections and painkillers in order to steer clear of a lengthy period on the treatment table.

However, his poor form has done little to justify a regular place in the United side, with the summer arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho doing further damage to his hopes of a first-choice starting spot.

JUST IN: Three players who may never feature for Spurs again after Chelsea loss

Shearer was in attendance to run the rule over Monday’s match as a pundit for BBC Sport and took the extra step to offer his personal support to the England ace after the match.

The former Newcastle United striker telephoned Rashford in an attempt to convince him that he is good enough to overcome his barren spell and recapture his best form, according to The Sun.

It is claimed that Shearer also gave the Red Devils man plenty of tips on how to cope with pressure and the weight of expectation before adding that he was available at any time to chat in the future.

Shearer’s intervention was reportedly well-received by Rashford, who has also been speaking with former United star Paul Ince as of late.

The former voiced his concerns at half-time on Monday by suggesting that Rashford does not appear to be enjoying himself in a United shirt at present.

“I get Marcus Rashford has had injuries and he’s struggling for confidence,” said Shearer.

“He’s done amazing work off the pitch, but it looks as though everything is a chore, as if he is not enjoying his football.”

Meanwhile, United boss Ralf Rangnick recently declared that he was unable to explain his forward’s recent struggles, insisting that he is training well and showing plenty of promise behind closed doors.

FOLLOW OUR NEW DAILY EXPRESS SPORT INSTAGRAM PAGE

“Actually, I don’t know,” Rangnick told reporters when quizzed on the reasons behind Rashford’s dire form earlier this week.

“I think he’s trying hard. In training he was doing well in the last couple of days, that’s why he was quite rightly in the starting XI.

“I think in the first half we found him quite often, but we also tried to get him into the box. In the second half that was not that often the case.”

Source: Read Full Article