‘How bad must Rashford be in training?’ - Man Utd striker snub puzzles Ferdinand as transfer question is asked

Manchester United’s decision to start Marcus Rashford on the bench against Leicester when they had no other strikers available has left Rio Ferdinand puzzled, with the former Red Devils defender asking: “How bad must he be in training?”

Ralf Rangnick saw injury and illness rule Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo out of his plans for a home date with the Foxes, with the German tactician opting to field a starting XI with no recognised frontman as Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes sought to provide an attacking spark from deep.

That plan, which previously came unstuck during a derby date with arch-rivals Manchester City, failed to deliver the desired result in a 1-1 draw that saw Rashford – who was left out of the last England squad and has started just one Premier League game since February 12 – given only 35 minutes off the bench.

Six-time Premier League title winner Ferdinand has told his FIVE YouTube channel of Rangnick’s reluctance to use a man with 93 United goals to his name: “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 play with me?'

“I’m not saying he’s been perfect. If I’m Rashford, I’m thinking this guy doesn’t rate me if he’s going to play two midfielders up front.

“He hasn’t played well enough to be selected if Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani are fit. It’s a different case when he’s going into a game with no striker.

“How bad must he be in training? How badly must he rate him to go into a game like that?”

Top four race over?