Rashford frustrated that he hasn't developed an effective relationship with CR7

It pains Marcus Rashford that he and Cristiano Ronaldo have not developed a deadly partnership on the pitch, according to the Athletic.

It's a year to the day that England lost to Italy on penalties in the European Championship final.

As well as Bukayo Saka and United teammate Jadon Sancho, Rashford missed a decisive spot kick against the Azzurri.

The agonising defeat against Roberto Mancini's Italian side was the last time Rashford represented Gareth Southgate's Three Lions.

After the European Championship final, Rashford had shoulder surgery and didn't return to action for three months.

Marcus Rashford frustrated with lack of relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo

While Rashford was recuperating from his surgery, the Red Devils had a blockbuster transfer window which saw Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo sign for the club.

Such was Rashford's desire to establish a lethal partnership and understanding with Ronaldo, the 24-year-old used his time out injured to study how Ronaldo plays, reports the Athletic.

The report read: "It pains him that he and Ronaldo have not developed a more effective relationship on the pitch.

"Rashford had used his time out injured to study how Ronaldo plays.

"It thrilled him that he would be playing alongside his hero and he wanted to understand the best way to make it work."

Rashford marked his return to action with a goal off the bench in the 4-2 defeat at Leicester City in October.

Four days later, United's number 10 started and scored in United's 3-2 comeback win against Atalanta in the Champions League which saw Ronaldo score a late winner.

It doesn't make particularly good reading that Ronaldo and Rashford only combined together to score one goal last season.

That came in Michael Carrick's final game of his three-game caretaker spell which was a 3-2 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Rashford's cutback from the right-hand side was prolifically slotted home by United's number seven.

The big question is whether Rashford will get the opportunity to improve his on pitch understanding and partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The wantaway 37-year-old wants to compete in next season's Champions League and has asked the Red Devils to consider suitable offers.

Uncertainty continues to surround the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future and it remains to be seen whether he will still be a Manchester United player by the time the summer transfer window closes, despite Erik ten Hag reaffirming that he isn't for sale.