“Stupid analysis from the pundit” - Erik ten Hag hits out at Alan Shearer criticising Manchester United star after defeat to Brighton

Erik ten Hag has hit back at Alan Shearer for his criticism of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford following the team's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Dutch manager labeled Shearer's comments as “stupid analysis” and defended his forward, insisting that the criticism was unfounded and unfair.

Alan Shearer, one of the most prominent football pundits in England, had pointed the finger at Rashford, criticizing his recent performances. It came following United's win against Fulham and defeat against Brighton.

After their defeat against the Seagulls on August 24, Shearer said via Utd District:

“On today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham, he’s not been anywhere near good enough. He’s not a youngster anymore. He has to understand the position and look across the pitch when you can see the whole thing; you shouldn’t be offside then.”

However, Ten Hag, speaking ahead of Manchester United's crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool, didn't hold back in defending his player. He said:

"Everyone gets criticism from you guys, it doesn't matter what we are doing, if we are winning or if we are losing. 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."

Ten Hag continued, emphasizing that his decision to rotate Rashford was not a reflection of the player's form or effort. He said:

"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."

This is not the first time Rashford has found himself under the microscope. The England international, who has grown into a key figure at Manchester United, has been scrutinized a lot of times for inconsistency.

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Pundits explains why Manuel Ugarte is a good signing for Manchester United

Former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp believes that Manuel Ugarte is a perfect signing for Manchester United.

The Red Devils completed the signing of Ugarte in a deal worth €50 million plus add-ons from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on August 30. Redknapp opined that the Uruguayan would certainly bolster Manchester United’s midfield, saying he is an upgrade to Casemiro.

He told Sky Sports (via United in Focus):

“He is very aggressive. He is what they probably need. While Casemiro has started the season strongly—or, at least, better than he did the last one – the arrival of another bone-shuddering enforcer, and one nine years his junior, should ease Man United’s reliance on the occasionally-brilliant but frequently-flawed Brazilian.

“Casemiro last year, obviously, was a huge disappointment. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to Casemiro. We didn’t know if he was going to be a Manchester United player this season.”

Redknapp added:

''He has come back, he has certainly looked fitter, and that’s what they need. But you also need players that are vying for their positions (to ensure) you don’t them to get too comfortable.’’

''Ugarte coming in, he is going to be a really good signing. He is aggressive, he wins the ball back. You get the feeling that he is made for the Premier League because that’s an area where they really need to strengthen. It’s hard to find players in that mould.”

Manchester United will next take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 1.