‘How bad must he be in training?’ – Rio reacts to Rashford’s Leicester snub

Rio Ferdinand was shocked that Marcus Rashford did not start for Manchester United against Leicester City on Saturday, given the absence of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani.

United were held to a 1-1 draw, which left them in sixth and delivered a further blow to their dwindling hopes of finishing in the top four.

With Ronaldo ruled out through illness and Cavani injured, interim boss Ralf Rangnick was expected to select Rashford to lead the line for the hosts, but the German elected to play without a recognised striker.

Early loser: Marcus Rashford and Man Utd, ghosting to the beach

The result was a flat performance which lacked cutting edge. When asked why he snubbed Rashford, Rangnick told Sky Sports: “We had to decide between playing Marcus as a striker or Paul Pogba in midfield and we decided to play Paul.

Would Bellingham coming to the Premier League is a good thing?

Erik ten Hag ‘concern’ emerges

£76m Abraham to be Man Utd striker solution?

The Premier League stars that will miss the World Cup

Real Madrid are interested in Jude Bellingham

Grealish at Man City - Slow burner or £100m flop?

Potter for England when Southgate's done?

“It’s no secret he was not full of confidence in the last couple of weeks. He has been training with us and in training, he is looking well but as I said, it was the question between Paul and Marcus and we decided to go for Paul.”

Ferdinand reacted to the decision on his FIVE Youtube channel: “What Rashford must be thinking now – wow. Maybe there’s a new contract negotiation behind the scenes but if you’re him, you’re thinking ‘How can I stay here?’

“You’re thinking ‘This gaffer does not fancy me. How can I sign this contract when the team would rather play without a striker than