Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD

Marcus Rashford was criticised by Alan Shearer for failing to stay onside in the loss to Brighton (Image: Getty)

Premier League legend Alan Shearer criticised Marcus Rashford's tactical nous following Manchester United's defeat at Brighton. And he felt so strongly on the matter that it led to a brief clash with Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.

The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, with several offside decisions proving costly for Erik ten Hag's team. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho saw a potential winning goal disallowed for offside when the score was 1-1, but it was Rashford's positioning that irked the Premier League's record goalscorer in particular.

United wasted numerous promising situations due to Rashford and others mistiming their runs, resulting in them leaving the south coast with nothing to show for their troubles. However, Shearer is hopeful Old Trafford icon Ruud van Nistelrooy can help rectify the situation, given he is now back at the club and can coach the attackers.

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"Amad, I thought, was their best player in forward positions, but there was a lack of understanding about where they were on the pitch, particularly from Marcus Rashford," Shearer commented on Match of the Day (via The Mirror). "The number of times they were in offside positions..."

He then pulled apart footage showing multiple instances of Rashford, 26, and others being caught offside. Shearer was especially critical of one occasion where the striker remained offside for an extended period during play, saying it "really is staggering" given Rashford's clear view of the defence.

Lineker tried to navigate the conversation to the positive aspects of Rashford's game, noting the forward is "at least trying to make runs". But Shearer countered firmly as he responded: "Yeah, but he's not a youngster anymore, Gary. He has to understand the position and look across the pitch when you can see all of it. He shouldn't be offside there."

Shearer shot down Gary Lineker's attempted defence of Rashford (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Shearer pointed to United's 57-goal tally from last season as the "worst in the top half". However, he added some optimism about coaching improvements, saying: "Ruud van Nistelrooy's been brought in, he's gonna have to work his magic somehow. I know they've got [Rasmus] Hojlund out injured, but when he comes in, he's gonna have to improve that."

It's not the first time pundits or fans have commented on Rashford's tendency to be caught offside on occasion. As Old Trafford braces for Rasmus Hojlund's comeback, pressure mounts on Rashford to sort his flaws out or risk being dropped again in United's attacking line-up.

Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD

Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD

Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD

Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD

Alan Shearer fires back at Gary Lineker trying to defend Marcus Rashford on MOTD