Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund went 'behind Man Utd staff's back' as 'secret training' revealed

Marcus Rashford has revealed that he and Rasmus Hojlund had been working together "without the staff knowing" in a bid to improve Manchester United's dismal form.

The Red Devils have had a dreadful start to the new Premier League campaign, winning just two out of their opening five matches.

Meanwhile, they lost 4-3 to Bayern Munich in a chaotic opening Group A clash in the Champions League on Wednesday amid a number of off-field issues.

One of the few shining lights getting supporters through the tough period is new £72 million signing Hojlund, who opened his account for United against Bayern in the week.

And Rashford has revealed that the pair have been working on forming a deadly strike partnership behind the scenes at Carrington, ahead of their must-win clash against Burnley on Saturday.

Speaking to MUTV, the England international said: "We spoke [with Hojlund]. We did a lot of work off the field, probably without the staff knowing.

“I want to understand his game and he wants to understand mine as quickly as possible.”

It remains to be seen whether the pair's secret training will pay dividends at Turf Moor, but it would appear the United players are keen to take matters into their own hands in order to turn their season around.

Speaking ahead of the game against Burnley, manager Erik ten Hag strangely suggested that he has never been able to pick his best team.

"One thing is true, from the start of last season I don't think I ever started with, in my opinion, the best starting XI," he exclaimed. "There was always injuries.”

"We always got results apart from the period we are in now. I have experienced it in the past and managed it. You have to deal with it. I like these situations because you have to handle it and know what to do, and that is focusing on the process."

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here HERE for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.