Erik ten Hag's 'stupid' admission sheds more light on Rashford transfer saga

Marcus Rashford has admitted he is "ready for a new challenge" and comments from former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may offer some insight into why.

Rashford has struggled for form since netting 30 goals across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, with the 27-year-old managing just eight the following season. He has scored seven goals so far this campaign and speculation has been rife about his future at Old Trafford, particularly after was left out of United's squad for their 2-1 win over Manchester City.

"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," Rashford told Henry Winter. "When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.

"If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse. I'e seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me."

And comments from Ten Hag made earlier this season could provide some understanding as to why Rashford is considering leaving his boyhood club. Back in August, Ten Hag defended Rashford after he was criticised by Alan Shearer.

"He's had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he's not had one shot at goal," Shearer said on Match of the Day. "Fifty-seven goals they [Manchester United] scored last season. That was the worst in the top half. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought into there. He's going to have to work his magic somehow."

However, Ten Hag branded Shearer's analysis "stupid" and suggested players at United tend to receive more criticism than those at other clubs. "Everyone gets criticism from you guys, it doesn't matter what we are doing, if we are winning or if we are losing," he said.

"If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him. But I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham [in the opening game] and also against Brighton. I didn't take him off because his performances or level were not right - no, we had to rotate because we have good players on the bench who bring new energy.

"There will be rotation. Then there is the conclusion the player is not performing. It can be sometimes but definitely it wasn't in this case. In this case, it was stupid analysis from the pundit."

In Rashford's case, it may be best for him to try and get back to his best away from the intense spotlight that comes with playing for United. However, Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim has insisted he wants the forward to remain at Old Trafford.