What’s up with Rashford? Rangnick: I don’t know

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick admits he is unsure why Marcus Rashford is struggling for form after another disappointing night for the forward in Monday’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Rashford, who has managed just three goals for his club this season, failed to make an impact in the third-round tie at Old Trafford before being taken off with less than five minutes left.

Despite another laboured performance from United, Scott McTominay’s first-half header was enough to send them through to the fourth round, where they will play Championship side Middlesbrough.

But Rashford’s decision-making left United fans frustrated, with many questioning a key moment in the second half when he failed to make any attempt to challenge Villa ‘keeper Emi Martinez after he parried Mason Greenwood’s effort towards the penalty spot.

Asked why the academy graduate was underperforming, interim manager Rangnick said: “Actually I don’t know. I think he’s trying hard. In training he was doing well in the last couple of days, that’s why he was quite rightly in the starting XI.

“I think in the first half we found him quite often, but we also tried to get him into the box. In the second half that was not that often the case and that’s why at the end of the game I decided to make two changes with Anthony Elanga and Jesse Lingard.

“It was very important to progress into the next round. Yes [confidence is important] especially for strikers – it’s important that they score goals on and off, that there are moments of success.

“Of course it would be good, for example, for Marcus if he could score a goal but as long as he’s trying, as long as he’s training well I don’t see that much of a problem.”

United flatter to deceive again

Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew:

“It was job done for Manchester United, but only just!

“Steven Gerrard will be left scratching his head on the bus home from Old Trafford, wondering how his side didn’t get something from this entertaining FA Cup tie.

“Villa were by far the better side as they passed their way through Manchester United time and time again, just as Wolves did in their win at Old Trafford in the Premier League a week ago as Ralf Rangnick’s side’s failings of the last few weeks appeared again.

“McTominay and Fred may have combined for what proved to be United’s winning goal in the opening stages, but time after time United were overrun in the middle of the park as Villa piled the pressure on the hosts.

“The frustrations of the home fans were evident as passes went astray and Villa continued to dominate the game, and on a different day, Gerrard’s men would have got their reward.

“However, it was to be United’s day as they held on for a much-needed win to ease the pressure slightly on Rangnick.”

What’s next?

In less than a week these two sides will go head to head once again, but this time it will be at Villa Park and in the Premier League – live on Sky Sports – on Saturday, with kick-off at 5:30pm.

Coutinho ready to play Man Utd after completing medical

Philippe Coutinho has completed his Aston Villa medical and will be ready to play in Saturday’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

Coutinho is in France completing paperwork for his work permit, and will join up with his new team-mates on Wednesday to take part in his first training session.

After recovering from Covid, Coutinho will need a few games to regain full match fitness but it is thought the former Liverpool midfielder will make himself available for the visit of United on Saturday, which is live on Sky Sports.

Coutinho is moving to Villa on loan until the end of the season, but the deal includes an option to buy the 29-year-old for ?33m at the end of the season.

Villa are paying less than 50 per cent of Coutinho’s weekly wage, plus bonuses, Sky Sports News has been told, and he even agreed to a pay cut, with other clubs offering deals that would have seen him earn 100 per cent of his Barca wage.