Mark Hughes labels Man United star 'one of the WORST' players in the Premier League without the ball... as he insists the under-fire Red Devils man 'doesn't look happy'

Mark Hughes has slammed one Manchester United player for his work off the ball.

Hughes, 60, was a favourite at Old Trafford after he enjoyed a hugely decorated six-year-spell at the club where he scored 116 goals in 352 appearances and won several trophies. 

The Welshman moved into coaching after retirement and has managed the likes of Man City, Blackburn, Stoke and Bradford, before he was sacked by the League Two side in October.

And, when appearing on the with Sam Allardyce, Hughes discussed the problems facing United and hit out at Marcus Rashford.

'I don't think the players go out with the intention of not trying, that doesn't happen,' he said. 

'But I think Rashford has slipped back into the mindset that he had prior to last season – he doesn't look happy.

'He obviously had a lot going on outside the game which maybe took something away from him, and perhaps he just needs to focus back solely on what his role is when he's asked to put on the shirt for Man United.'

The England star has endured a difficult season so far, scoring just two Premier League goals, one of which was a penalty handed to him by Bruno Fernandes in United's 3-0 win against Everton.

Rashford was also heavily criticised for his display in the Red Devils' 1-0 defeat by Newcastle, with the forward subsequently dropped for Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea. 

And Hughes felt that while Rashford still brings plenty going forward despite his poor form, he claimed the 26-year-old is one of the worst players in the Premier League without the ball.

He added: 'I look at United and think a lot of their problems stem from the wide areas. When the ball goes past them, their response is just not good enough.

'The lads need to track back and if they lose possession, they have to regain it as quick as they can.

'If you compare them to how Man City react when they lose the ball, it's chalk and cheese. If Phil Foden loses the ball on the right hand side, he wins it back, same with Jack Grealish.

'Rashford is an outstanding talent and is one of the best in the league when it comes to taking someone on, but without the ball, he's probably one of the worst. He's got to sort that part out.'

United's win against Chelsea moved them up to sixth in the Premier League and just three points off Man City in fourth.

They return to action on Saturday afternoon when in-form Bournemouth visit Old Trafford.