Alan Shearer rubbishes claims that Manchester United star is being treated “unfairly”

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has denied that one Manchester United star is being treated unfairly by the media.

Marcus Rashford, 26, scored his first goal of the season during the Red Devils 3-0 win against Southampton.

However, in the weeks prior to the Southampton game, Rashford has been heavily knocked by both members of the media and fans, leading to a story from a source reportedly close to the player.

In a report from i, the aforementioned source told the newspaper that, “The criticism coming his [Rashford’s] way is an onslaught. It is like bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes it worse.”

The belief that Rashford is unfairly treated was shared by Manchester United manager Ten Hag, who stated after Saturday’s game, “There was too much negativity towards him [Rashford] after Liverpool.”

But, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Premier League winner Alan Shearer refused to agree with the idea Rashford is being targetted by the media, explaining as much to his co-hosts Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy.

“No I don’t think it has been unfair,” Shearer stated. “He doesn’t get criticised when he plays like he did today. That was much much better.

“So hopefully, you’ve [Lineker] mentioned the confidence, we all know what it’s like, he’s got that goal and we’ll see more of that.

The Premier League’s all-time top goal scorer was then pressed further by Lineker, with his fellow former England striker asking if it is fair to say Rashford is “targetted” ahead of other players at United.

“No, it’s because of the standards that he’s set,” Shearer declared. “We saw him score two seasons ago over thirty goals, we know he can do it. We want to see that on a more regular basis.

“There was a reason why he wasn’t in the England squad. But, when he performs like that, he doesn’t get any criticism.

“Much much better today. Hopefully, we’ll see that on a regular basis now, because he can do it.”

Shearer on several occasions has himself been critical of Rashford. Following Rashford’s nightclub incident in January of this year Shearer told the United winger that he, “Can’t keep doing this, he can’t keep wasting his talent because it’s not right.”

With 276 Premier League appearances and 84 goals, only seven players in United history have scored more goals in the competition than Rashford.

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