Harry Maguire's comments on Marcus Rashford's form are telling after Newcastle defeat

Harry Maguire spoke of Marcus Rashford’s dismal form this season after Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle United.

Saturday evening saw Newcastle leapfrog United in the Premier League table after claiming a 1-0 win over Erik ten Hag’s men.

Anthony Gordon converted Kieran Trippier's low cross in the 55th minute to net the game’s only goal, and help Newcastle climb to fifth.

Ten Hag’s side, who are languishing in seventh in the Premier League, have endured a poor start to the season domestically and in Europe. Their performances are partly down to a loss of form for some of the team’s most influential players, including Casemiro and Rashford.

The latter, who scored some 30 goals in all competitions last season, has only found the net twice in his 13 Premier League appearances this season.

After Saturday’s defeat, in which Rashford was ineffective and hooked after 61 minutes, Maguire came out in defence of the United attacker.

On Rashford, who has now gone 14 club games without a goal from open play, Maguire said: "Marcus had an unbelievable season last season.

“This season, it hasn't clicked for him. He's working hard. Everyone in that dressing room knows what he's about."

While Ten Hag refused to discuss Rashford's lacklustre form after the loss, TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist suggested the winger’s place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad should be under threat by goalscorer Gordon.

“In no way, shape, or form [should Rashford play at Euro 2024] on this evening's performance, absolutely not," McCoist told TNT Sports.

"If we're on about current form in general, certainly Anthony Gordon has been playing far better. The only thing you would say is that it's a tough position to get in when you have the number of players we have playing there.

"Gareth Southgate has problems in that area because he has great talent, but on tonight's performance, Anthony Gordon certainly has to come into the reckoning."

Topics: Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Premier League, Football

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.