Ian Wright and Danny Murphy ‘gobsmacked’ by Ralf Rangnick decision in Manchester United’s defeat to Everton

Former England stars Ian Wright and Danny Murphy were left ‘gobsmacked’ by Ralf Rangnick’s decision to sub off Marcus Rashford during Manchester United’s defeat to Everton.

United’s dismal season suffered another blow on Saturday as Rangnick’s side were beaten 1-0 by Premier League relegation-battlers Everton.

Everton went into the game sitting just one point above the drop zone but inflicted a painful defeat on Manchester United thanks to Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal.

While the result significantly boosted Everton’s survival hopes, it damaged United’s chances of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League qualification.

As the Red Devils chased the game after half-time, Rangnick decided to replace Rashford with Anthony Elanga, but neither Wright or Murphy could understand the move.

Rashford has endured a miserable season, with his poor form resulting in the 24-year-old being dropped from the last England squad, but he was one of the more positive players for United at Goodison.

‘Today he did not deserve to be taken off,’ former England midfielder Murphy said on BBC’s Match of the Day.

‘Wrighty and I were gobsmacked when he came off, there were other players on the pitch who weren’t contributing. From minute one he was trying to make things happen.

‘He was getting himself in central areas and in a game where United were struggling to create, he was the one trying to run in behind with his pace.’

Arsenal legend Wright added: ‘I couldn’t believe it.

‘It’s one of those where we always knew he would be up against it with everything he’s done off the field. It gives people fuel to say “you should be concentrating on football”.

‘He’s going through a bad patch of form but it happens. The manager hasn’t worked at Manchester