Paul Merson: Why I feel sorry for Man United’s Marcus Rashford

Paul Merson has expressed his sympathy for Marcus Rashford after the teenager was frozen out of the game during Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Red Devils have come in for plenty of criticism for their lacklustre performance at Anfield as they were thoroughly out-played by the Reds on Merseyside as Jurgen Klopp’s men took the initiative in the last-16 tie.

Rashford, 18, has been drafted into the United first-team in recent weeks following injuries to a number of key players at Old Trafford.

However, former Arsenal star Merson was not impressed by what Rashford was asked to do by manager Louis van Gaal in last week’s defeat at Anfield.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I feel sorry for the young lad Marcus Rashford.

“He was virtually playing at right-back – he is a centre-forward learning his trade.

“He should have been brought out of the team after the Arsenal game and given a rest, a chance to recharge.”

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Manchester United now turn their attentions to the return leg of the Europa League tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night as they look to overturn the 2-0 deficit.