Alan Shearer says Marcus Rashford is playing football like it’s a ‘chore’

Callum Boyle

Rashford struggled again during Manchester United’s win against Aston Villa

Alan Shearer has accused Manchester Untied forward Marcus Rashford of playing football like it’s a “chore” after a difficult season.

Rashford has struggled to reach the same heights he did last year – where he scored 21 goals – scoring just three times in all competitions this season, and struggled during his side’s win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Monday night.

Scott McTominay’s first-half goal was enough to separate the two sides as United produced another lacklustre display all round against Steven Gerrard’s side who were controversially denied an equaliser after VAR adjudged there to have been a foul in the build-up.

Can’t get over how good this cross from Fred is 🔥

Lovely guided header from McTominay too pic.twitter.com/SH1GpDDthz

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 10, 2022

But Rashford’s display was one of the talking points after the final whistle as the 24-year-old was substituted in the second-half and former Newcastle striker Shearer believes that the forward is suffering from a lack of confidence.

“I get that he’s had injuries,” Shearer said on the BBC.

“I get that he’s struggling with a little bit of confidence, amazing work off the pitch.

“But certainly a lot of the times this season, it looks as if everything is a chore. It looks like hard work for him. He doesn’t seem to be enjoying his football as much.

“I get that. It’s a learning curve, you learn how to get over that. “

The #MOTD pundits reckon Aston Villa are unlucky to be behind at the break. It's been an eventful first half!

📺 Watch #MUNAVL on @BBCiPlayer and @BBCOne.#FACup #bbcfacup pic.twitter.com/W9VdDgEVef

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 10, 2022

Rashford recently released a statement on social media, defending himself after his loyalty to United was questioned following their 1-0 defeat to Wolves last week.

He posted on his Twitter: “We’ve all been disappointed with recent performances and we’ve been as disappointed with the news coverage questioning our commitment to not only the manager and the coaching staff but the club.

“I have endless respect for both and I’m looking forward to bettering my game under the staff at Manchester United.”

United now turn their attention to facing Villa again this weekend, this time in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

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