It's safe to say that Marcus Rashford has not quite been himself in a Manchester United jersey since his mega 2022-23 season.
During Erik ten Hag's first campaign in charge, Rashford was far and away United's best attacking player, delivering 30 goals across all competitions. Since that high point, goals have been far harder to come by for the Englishman.
Last season saw Rashford disciplined by ten Hag for missing a training session in the aftermath of an unsanctioned night out in Belfast, while he also grappled with on-field struggles and being dropped from the England squad.
The beginning to the new season has not exactly instiled confidence in many United fans that things will be different this time around for the 26-year-old.
Rashford thought he had finally gotten off the mark for the season in Saturday's ultimate defeat away to Brighton, but VAR ruled out his unorthodox finish for offside. He would then be taken off with just over an hour played at the AMEX Stadium.
Alan Shearer took issue with Rashford's performance on Match of the Day on Saturday evening, with the record Premier League goalscorer saying, "He's had two games this season, Marcus Rashford, and he's not had one shot at goal.
"57 goals they scored last season, that was the worst in the top half. Ruud van Nistelrooy...he's going to have to work his magic somehow."
Despite Rashford's worrying form, those comments have not gone down well with United coach ten Hag, who called out Shearer's "stupid" analysis in his Friday press conference.
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Erik ten Hag mounts defence of Marcus Rashford after Alan Shearer criticism
Speaking to the English media on Friday afternoon, Erik ten Hag was asked for his thoughts on Marcus Rashford's performances this season and, more specifically, Alan Shearer's criticism of them.
Ten Hag mounted a staunch defence, saying that he had been pleased with what he had seen from Rashford thus far. He also called out Shearer and the English media for what he saw as "stupid" criticism of players after only one or two poor performances.
Everyone gets criticism from you guys, it doesn't matter what we are doing, if we are winning or if we are losing.
If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him. But I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham and also against Brighton.
I didn't take him off because his performances or level were not right - no, we had to rotate because we have good players on the bench who bring new energy. There will be rotation. Then there is the conclusion the player is not performing. It can be sometimes but definitely it wasn't in this case.
In this case, it was stupid analysis from the pundit.
It's certainly a strong defence from Erik ten Hag.
We have seen in previous seasons just how good Marcus Rashford can be but, as time passes, patience will surely begin to run thin with the Manchester United stars.
With the titanic visit of Liverpool looming on Sunday, ten Hag will be desperately hoping that his Manchester United attack finally begins to gel.
Kick-off at Old Trafford on Sunday is at 4pm.
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