Jamie Redknapp criticized Marcus Rashford over the Manchester United forward’s unimpressive first-half performance against Brentford, saying he was ‘strolling around like it was a bit of fun’ at the Gtech Community Stadium.
United’s players will have approached the international break with confidence following their exciting 4-3 win against fierce rivals Liverpool to set up an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.
However, the Red Devils were far from their best in the first 45 minutes in west London, with Erik ten Hag’s team failing to record a single shot on target.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s Brentford had 34 touches in the opponent's box – their highest in the first 45 minutes of any Premier League match this season.
During halftime, former Liverpool and England midfielder Redknapp didn't hold back and said he was ‘surprised’ by how ‘poor’ United had been, while singling out Rashford’s performance for criticism.
‘I think Man United fans were probably really looking forward to tonight after a fantastic result against Liverpool. You thought they might have turned their season around,’ Redknapp commented in the Sky Sports studio.
‘They have been very bad tonight. I can't believe the lack of effort, the lack of energy, the will to win individual battles, to make things happen in that team.
‘We’re watching Marcus Rashford and he’s strolling around like it’s a bit of fun out there. It’s the Premier League!
‘You have to try to win games.
‘We’ve been surprised by how poor Manchester United have been.’
Former United forward Dion Dublin accused Ten Hag’s players of not taking responsibility after losing possession.
‘As an ex-United player, what’s hurting me most is the reaction to when they lose the ball,’ Dublin mentioned.
‘When they lose the ball, it’s very much like, “Ah, my team-mate will get it back!”, and it’s not good enough.
‘I don’t care who you’re playing for, whether you’re United or Brentford… if you lose the ball, you get it back.
‘I haven’t seen that from Manchester United and it’s disappointing to see.’
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