Alan Shearer insists criticism of Marcus Rashford has NOT been unfair

Alan Shearer has insisted that his criticism of Marcus Rashford has been fair after the 26-year-old striker finally made the net bulge this weekend.

The England international scored in the Red Devils 3-0 thrashing of Southampton at St Mary's to end his six month-long goal drought in the Premier League.

He scored United's second on the day, a sublime outside of the box strike which found its way into the bottom right corner of the goal, aided in by the post.

Up until then, Rashford's last goal in England's top flight came all way back in March, earning him a lot of criticism from the sporting world.

One person who was particularly critical of the Manchester forward was Alan Shearer. After the game Match of the Day host Gary Lineker asked Shearer if he believes his comments were fair, to which he replied:

'I don't think it [the criticism] has be unfair.

'He doesn't  get criticised when he plays like he did today, that was much much better.

'So hopefully you've mentioned the confidence we all know what that's like, that he's got that goal we'll see more of that now.

Lineker then poked further, asking Shearer if he believes if Rashford is unrightfully targeted more than some of his United teammates including Garanacho.

Shearer responded with: 'No, Its because of the standards he has set

'We saw him score over two seasons ago over 30 goals. We know he can do it, you want to see that on a more regular basis.

'There was a reason he wasn't in the England squad, now but when he performs like that, he doesn't get any criticism, much much better today.

'Hopefully you can see that on a more regular basis, because he can do it'.

Shearer last criticised Rashford following the Erik ten Hags' 2-1 defeat to Brighton over three weeks ago.

Following that game the pundit criticised Rashford for his poor positioning and movement throughout the game.

Gary Lineker tried to defend Rashford over his multiple offside offences and poor positioning.

'The only thing I would say in Rashford's defence is at least he is looking to try and make runs,' Lineker contributed.

However, Shearer hit back: 'Yeah, but he's not a youngster anymore.

'He has to understand the position and look across the pitch when you can see the whole of it, you shouldn't be offside then.'