Gary Neville calls out Marcus Rashford’s ‘rubbish’ actions in Spurs’ opener at Man Utd | Football | Sport

Gary Neville was left unimpressed by Marcus Rashford’s defensive work which led to Tottenham opening the scoring at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United found themselves behind after just three minutes after Brennan Johnson bagged his fourth goal in as many games.

The Wales international tapped into an empty net from close range after he was picked out by Micky van de Ven, who had dribbled 75 yards forward before picking out his teammate with a sensational cross.

The Netherlands international had raced across to tackle Rashford inside the Tottenham half to win back possession before through the heart of the United midfield, holding defenders at bay as he effortlessly travelled forward.

Neville was left unhappy with several aspects of the goal, particularly how easily Van de Ven retrieved possession without Rashford truly putting up a fight.

Analysing the goal on Sky Sports, Neville said: “I said Spurs had settled quicker. Van de Ven just steps in and this is absolutely incredible. He drives through four United players and the cross is just wonderful.

“I mean, Rashford there, he saw it and just carries on running. It’s rubbish from him. But then, he is unstoppable. De Ligt starts running too late, he completely misreads the pace. It’s amazing, absolutely brilliant and devastating.”

Neville was also unhappy with the defensive work of summer signings Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt, who Van de Ven breezed past whilst making his way down the left.

He continued: “His [Rashford’s] touch is heavy and awful, he’s got to do better than that, even if he dives in and gives a foul away. Ugarte who is supposed to stop things in midfield, De Ligt is supposed to stop things at the back. Helpless.”

Tottenham came close to doubling their lead before the half-time break when Timo Werner was released down the left, but the Germany international saw his effort saved by Andre Onana.

Things then went from bad to worse for United when Bruno Fernandes was given his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh after a high challenge on Tottenham playmaker James Maddison. The Red Devils skipper pleaded his innocence but VAR were in agreement that his tackle was dangerous, regardless of the midfielder appearing to slip slightly as he looked to make his initial challenge.