Jaap Stam: One Manchester United star must look in the mirror and improve

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has claimed that one Manchester United player must look in the mirror and help improve the team.

With just three wins from their first 10 matches this season, Manchester United sit 14th in the Premier League table.

Although INEOS are currently standing by Erik ten Hag, it’s clear that both results and performances need to improve swiftly as the team prepares to face Brentford this weekend.

Players must also take responsibility, with several stars underperforming so far this season.

Marcus Rashford continues to split opinion, with some believing that the Englishman is in solid form and should also have more assists – while others think he can improve his game a lot still.

Former United centre-back Jaap Stam has suggested that Rashford needs better teammates alongside him, as there is heavy expectations on the 26-year-old currently.

The Dutchman said: “Rashford needs a club with players who make him play better football. When you see him at the moment, you see that people expect a lot from him and his way of playing.

“But he can’t show that now. As soon as the players around him perform better, Rashford will follow.”

However, while Stam seemingly defended the Academy graduate, he also stated that the winger has to look in the mirror and improve his own performance, regardless of how his teammates are playing.

“An important aspect: it is also up to him. If you look at what he achieved a few years ago and what he is showing now,” added Stam.

“Then he has to look in the mirror and ask himself. What can I do differently so that I and the team perform better?”

Rashford has four goals so far this season but is yet to register an assist despite creating several big chances for his teammates.

Ten Hag was criticised for rotating the wide-man in recent games despite him coming into goalscoring form. He was substituted at half-time against FC Porto despite scoring and assisting in the first half.

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