da jogodeouro： Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe insists that Marcus Rashford's form has "dropped off the face of a cliff" this season.

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Rashford has struggled for UnitedHas only scored three goals this seasonUnited currently eighth in Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Sharpe, who played for United between 1988 and 1996, has hit out at Rashford's form this season, insisting that he is failing to set a proper example for the young players at Old Trafford, despite having developed into a key senior player. The 26-year-old has only scored three Premier League goals this season, having netted 17 in the league last term.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT LEE SHARPE SAID

Speaking to Fruity Slots, he said: “Marcus Rashford doesn’t quite seem to have got up to pace this season,” said Sharpe. “I don't know whether it's a confidence thing, whether he's got something going on off the pitch that's concerned him a little bit, but he doesn't seem as focused or direct in his football anymore. I don't know what's going on in his head, whether it's something off the pitch, whether he's thinking of the game too much… but this year he just seems to have dropped off the face of a cliff.

“He's one of the senior players now and he needs to set an example for everyone else. When the club is light on experienced first team players, he needs to be setting the standard. Against Wigan I just thought he could have played with a little bit more pace, directness and authority in himself. After four or five minutes he touched the ball three or four times, and not once had he sprinted at the full-back to attack the opposition. His first touch too – he stood someone up and tried to do a trick and the guy’s tackled him, it’s gone out of play for a throw in and he’s just turned around and strolled to get the ball.

“You’re in an FA Cup tie away at Wigan – the fans are going to be up, their team are going to be up for it. Manchester United need to impose themselves, they need to play quick, they need to play with some authority. To just walk towards the ball like that – I don't think ‘lazy’ is the right word… I don't know whether it was a bit of arrogance or whether he's lacking in confidence, but he just doesn't seem to be going past players anymore. He seems to be second guessing himself at times when he's squared up to players.”

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rashford's form has coincided with a dismal run of form for United. The club are currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table, nine points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 14 behind leaders Liverpool.

WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

United play Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend. Rashford has a mixed record against Spurs, having scored five goals in 15 games against the north London side.