Marcus Rashford’s ‘disgraceful’ lack of effort when pressing vs Brighton has emerged

Marcus Rashford has been criticised for his level of pressing in Manchester United’s humbling defeat to Brighton.

On Saturday United’s dismal start to the Premier League season continued as the Erik ten Hag’s men fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brighton.

Indeed, it is the first time in 34 years that United have lost three of their first five league games of the season, while the Old Trafford defeat ended a 20-game unbeaten run at home in the league.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck netted Brighton’s opener, having been left unmarked to sweep home in the 20th minute. Meanwhile, after the break, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were slow to react as Tariq Lamptey fed Pascal Gross to double the visitors' lead,

Joao Pedro then curled the ball beyond Andre Onana for Brighton’s third, only for Hannibal Mejbri to immediately net a United consolation.

Despite the result, United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon both impressed on their first starts for the club, while talisman Rashford was lively on the left wing.

However, the latter’s work off the ball has seen him garner criticism from a contingent of United fans.

A clip of Rashford passively jogging as Brighton tap the ball from defence to midfield has angered some of the Old Trafford club’s supporters.

Writing on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter, one person said:” This is disgraceful.”

Another wrote: “Rashford think he’s Ronaldo? Ronaldo at his age presses.”

A third, referencing United outcast Jadon Sancho, said: “Also… if Sancho is the one who’s not up to standard then I wanna know what this is???”

A fourth said: “Bro is fake pressing.”

While Ten Hag's side dropped into 12th place with six points, the Dutchman insisted the club were not in crisis.

He told Sky Sports: "We must stick together and stick to the plan and the rules and we will turn this around.

"It bothers me [the form], but I have to see the way we play. It's about character, we have to see how strong we are and how the team sticks together. Players standing up and showing character because in all the games, especially the game today [Saturday] and against Arsenal and Forest, we have seen we can play well and create chances.

"But we also have some improvements to make and we have to step up."

Topics: Manchester United, Fan Reactions, Premier League, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Brighton And Hove Albion

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.