Advertisement

Marcus Rashford 'harshly treated' at Manchester United and Alexis Sanchez arrival has not helped, says Lee Sharpe

Jose Mourinho's decision to sign Alexis Sanchez in January has hindered Marcus Rashford's development at Manchester United, according to Lee Sharpe.

Rashford's man-of-the-match performance against Costa Rica earlier this week, when he scored a wonderful effort from 25 yards, gave Gareth Southgate plenty to think about as he ponders the best options to support Harry Kane in attack.

But Sharpe, who burst through the Red Devils youth ranks under Sir Alex Ferguson before Rashford was even born, has been less impressed with the player's recent experiences at United.

Having emerged out of nowhere as a match-winning 18-year-old, the forward has had to settle for a lesser role since Mourinho settled into the manager's office at Old Trafford.

He started just four Premier League games since the turn of the year, sharing game time with Anthony Martial and slipping down the pecking order after the arrival of Sanchez from Arsenal.

"I think he's been a little bit harshly treated, dipping in and out of the team has not helped him," said Sharpe.

"It doesn't seem like Jose Mourinho is building a team around him and he's never been one for putting young ones in.

READ MORE: Unai Emery branded ‘irrelevant’ by Tony Adams

READ MORE: Hummels hits out at Germany fans over Gundogan boos

READ MORE: Marko Arnautovic ignoring Manchester United rumours

"Having been a similar age in a similar sort of position to Marcus, I know how it feels and even though you get the odd week where you get tired you need to get that rhythm and to feel the manager is backing you. Sanchez coming in and taking a place hasn't helped him.

"To be in and out just isn't great and it's also a little tough for him being in a team who aren't playing fluently, moving the ball around and dominating."