Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sends message to Marcus Rashford after Gary Neville comments

Marcus Rashford was dropped for Man United's 4-3 defeat at Chelsea on a day Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand voiced concerns about the England international.

Erik ten Hag insists Marcus Rashford should be motivated during Manchester United's run-in despite his latest demotion.

Rashford was dropped to the bench for the 4-3 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night and his replacement, Antony, excelled while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice on his return to Rashford's favoured role on the left wing.

Ten Hag claimed before kick-off Rashford's bench role was "rotational" but United's line-up primarily consisted of their best available players.

Rashford came on for 15 minutes in England's 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil two weeks ago and was unused during the 2-2 draw with Belgium last week. He was substituted after 80 minutes in United's 1-1 draw at Brentford on Saturday before emerging in the 66th minute at Stamford Bridge.

United great Gary Neville opined "there’s something not right" with Rashford on a podcast with Rio Ferdinand, who advised Rashford "to look at who is around him" after he was disciplined twice this season. Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, appeared to criticise Neville and Ferdinand over "bad mind" tactics.

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Ten Hag admonished Rashford for attending a birthday party on Deansgate hours after United's 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City in October. Rashford was also omitted from the squad for the 4-2 FA Cup fourth round win away to Newport County after embarking on a bender in Belfast.

Friction has developed between Rashford and United matchgoers this season while his body language has been repeatedly questioned. He had scored in three consecutive games before United's woeful performance at Brentford and Ten Hag is adamant Rashford can regain form.

“I don't know what Gary Neville was saying," Ten Hag said. “I think lately his (Rashford's) form is progressing. He has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us. He wants to win trophies and he wants to score goals. He wants to win and to contribute and we have a chance with the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming.

"So his motivation should be high. The form… he can change the momentum always. He scored before Brentford, he scored three goals in three games.”