Sharpe urges Man United to sell Rashford in January as winless run stretches to seven games

Manchester United head into Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth mired in a seven-game winless run, with former winger Lee Sharpe publicly questioning whether Marcus Rashford should be sold in January and accusing the squad of letting the club down with a lack of effort.

The crisis deepened on Wednesday when United were beaten 4-1 at home by Como, a result that has piled fresh pressure on manager Michael Carrick. Sharpe, speaking as a pundit, did not spare captain Bruno Fernandes or any of his team-mates in his assessment.

“I think the players are letting everyone down — the fans, the manager, themselves — just from sheer work rate and energy,” Sharpe said. “I think they’re playing way too slow; if you play slow, it makes the opposition’s game look so much easier, and them look like much better players. You need to put them under pressure quicker. You need to get at people quicker, and move the ball quicker.”

Sharpe was broadly positive about United’s summer transfer business, praising the three midfield additions as good signings, but argued the club fell short in other areas. “I think there needed to be a left back, possibly a centre forward,” he said, adding that the promising signs from pre-season had made the early-season slump all the more frustrating.

Rashford, who has been managing a hip complaint, is yet to register a goal or assist this season. The England forward spent much of the summer seeking a move away from Old Trafford after Barcelona declined to sign him permanently, and speculation over his future has not subsided.

Asked whether United should cash in on Rashford in January, Sharpe was candid. “I think it depends on if you could get a replacement,” he said. “I’ve always been a big Marcus Rashford fan, but sometimes I think his work rate and decision-making can be a little bit suspect at times. When he’s on top form, I think he’s unplayable — he’s so quick, he’s got such good feet, he’s a good finisher. He’s a phenomenal talent. But sometimes I just wish he had a little more focus.”

The Bournemouth fixture represents an urgent opportunity for Carrick’s side to arrest a slide that has left the club without a league victory for nearly two months.