Mark Hughes has chastised one Manchester United player for his off-the-ball efforts.

Hughes, 60, was a fan favorite at Old Trafford during a very successful six-year tenure in which he scored 116 goals in 352 games and won multiple titles. 

After retiring, the Welshman ventured into coaching, managing Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, and Bradford City until being fired by the League Two club in October.

And, on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast with Sam Allardyce, Hughes acknowledged United’s troubles and slammed Marcus Rashford.

‘I don’t think the players go out with the goal of not trying,’ he explained.

Former Manchester United fan Mark Hughes has slammed one player for their off-the-ball work.

Hughes asserted that the player is one of the worst players in the Premier League when he is not in possession of the ball.

‘But I think Rashford has reverted to the mindset he had previous to last season – he doesn’t appear pleased.

‘He obviously had a lot going on outside of the game, which may have taken something away from him, and perhaps he just needs to focus back purely on what his duty is when he’s asked to put on the shirt for Man United,’ says the coach.

The England international has had a rough season thus far, scoring just two Premier League goals, one of which was a penalty awarded to him by Bruno Fernandes in United’s 3-0 win over Everton.

Rashford was also strongly chastised for his performance in the Red Devils’ 1-0 loss to Newcastle, and he was subsequently rested for Wednesday’s 2-1 triumph over Chelsea. 

Moreover, Hughes believes that, despite his terrible form, Rashford remains one of the worst players in the Premier League when he is not in possession of the ball.

‘I look at United and think a lot of their troubles arise from the wide spaces,’ he added. When the ball goes past them, their reaction is insufficient.

‘The lads must track back, and if they lose possession, they must reclaim it as soon as possible.

Marcus Rashford was the player in question, and Hughes claimed he doesn’t appear pleased.

He also stated that many of their troubles arose from broad areas caused by a low work rate.

‘They are chalk and cheese when compared to how Man City reacts when they lose the ball. If Phil Foden loses the ball on the right side, he recovers it, as does Jack Grealish.

‘Rashford is a tremendous talent and one of the best in the league when it comes to taking someone on, but he’s definitely one of the worst without the ball. He has to figure that out.’

United’s victory over Chelsea put them up to sixth in the Premier League, just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

They are back in action on Saturday when in-form Bournemouth visit Old Trafford.