Marcus Rashford is criticized by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the ex-England coach insists the striker’s ‘main priority is NOT football’ and questions his work rate

Former England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticized Marcus Rashford in recent weeks despite his return to form. He claims football is ‘not’ the striker’s main priority.

Rashford was left on the bench for Saturday’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, despite scoring three goals in his previous two games.

Erik Ten Hag had claimed before the match that the decision was down to rotation, with Rashford eventually introduced as a substitute on the hour mark as Man United hunted for a breakthrough.

The 26-year-old’s first goal of the season against Southampton two weeks ago came after a huge slump that saw him miss out on a place in England’s European Championship squad last summer.

And Hasselbaink, who worked as a striker coach in Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff, is unimpressed by Rashford despite being a ‘top player’.

Ex-Chelsea striker and England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticized Marcus Rashford

The Man United striker has scored three goals and provided an assist this season

“If you look at Marcus Rashford and look at his body language – and I’m not saying this is true – it looks like football is not his main priority,” Hasselbaink told Genting Casino.

‘Do we know if Rashford can play football? Yes. Hell, yeah. When he plays on the left and plays his best football, he is a very, very good player.

‘He is a top player. When he was at his highest level, he sprinted a lot and ran behind the defense. He worked so hard to run at defenders. That’s when Marcus is at his best… and I just don’t see that anymore.’

Hasselbaink also claimed that Rashford is not fulfilling his physical capabilities as he is unwilling to penetrate the pain barrier.

“For a player like Rashford, when one of your key attributes is that explosive pace, you have to suffer for your art,” he said.

Hasselbaink also claimed that Rashford is not fulfilling his physical capabilities as he is unwilling to penetrate the pain barrier.

Rashford was left out of United’s starting XI last weekend, but Erik ten Hag insisted he was not dropping the England star and was simply resting him.

‘You have to be willing to give everything to work hard both with and without the ball, and that means feeling a little bit of pain, because it takes a lot of physical strength to ask your body to do that in every match. game. I don’t see a player willing to push himself like he used to.”

Ten Hag was criticized for his decision to rotate Rashford against Palace.

Jamie Redknapp speculated that ‘something happened’ behind the scenes at Old Trafford which could have led to Rashford being left out.

Ten Hag hit back at Redknapp for his ‘crazy’ comments and insisted he was simply giving Rashford a rest after a busy start to the season.

Meanwhile, Hasselbaink believes it is Rashford’s responsibility to improve and become a force alongside the league’s best strikers.

“It is not only Ten Hag’s responsibility to improve Rashford, there must also be the player’s desire,” Hasselbaink said.

‘There is no doubt that Marcus Rashford has the ability. It’s a mental thing. It’s up to him to see that improvement. Only Marcus Rashford can unlock himself.”

Rashford will look to start for United and continue his goalscoring form when they host Tottenham on Sunday.