Marcus Rashford labelled “pathetic” after Man Utd mistake in Nottingham Forest win

Manchester United endured a nightmare start against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford with last season’s top scorer Marcus Rashford receiving plenty of criticism for his contribution

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Manchester United V Nottingham Forest:Pictures

Marcus Rashford’s defensive efforts against Nottingham Forest were slammed as “pathetic” as Manchester United endured a rotten start.

Erik ten Hag’s men found themselves 2-0 down after just four minutes, with Taiwo Awoniyi – scoring for the seventh game in a row – and Willy Boly finding the net for the visitors. It was the first goal that really saw Rashford cop some severe criticism.

The Red Devils’ academy graduate was simply shoved aside by Awoniyi as he fired Forest ahead. Former West Ham striker Dean Aston was left furious with his efforts.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Disastrous start for United. That is the one player you don’t want it to fall to. He would’ve loved to see Rashford there. He just shrugged him aside! Marcus Rashford, I’m sorry, that was pathetic defending. You had the chance to tackle and it was a pathetic effort.”

Thankfully, Rashford made amends for his defending before the break as he played a vital role in United finding a foothold. The striker raced away from former Tottenham defender Serge Aurier and squared the ball to Christian Eriksen, who managed to find the back of the net.

It represented the 31-year-old’s first goal of the season and in fact his first since he found the net in a Carabao Cup victory over Burnley in December. The Dane was full of praise for Rashford following that clash.

Marcus Rashford is shoved off the ball by Taiwo Awoniyi (

Image:

Getty Images)

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Speaking at the time, he said: “He’s very confident. You can see that in the games, he is looking sharp and really on it. He looks like he is going to create something or he’s going to score something every time.

“And I think the same [against Burnley]. I think some of the players or some of the time, you would not try and go and dribble between three guys and hope what happens. But he’s in a mood and in a place where he can do that. Hopefully, he can continue what he is doing and take us further.”

Man United managed to get themselves level just minutes into the second period through Casemiro. The Brazilian managed to get on the end of Bruno Fernandes pass to equalise.

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The Red Devils eventually managed to secure three points as Forest imploded. Joe Worrall initially saw red for a last man challenge before Rashford was tripped by Danilo in the penalty area – Fernandes firing home for Ten Hag’s side.

Following the clash with Forest, United have one further assignment to tackle before the first international break of the campaign. They travel to the Emirates Stadium for a showdown with Arsenal next weekend.

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