Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended Marcus Rashford, saying the striker is keen to help the club during the preparations for the season.
United led 3-2, but conceded two goals in stoppage time.
Rashford came on as a substitute just before United took the lead, but a lack of pressing was highlighted on social media after the defeat.
This is Rashford's brother-in-law and agent Dwayne Maynard responding to former United captain Gary Neville and Roy Keane over comments about the England forward on the Stick to Football podcast. This happened just a few hours later.
Neville said Rashford, who has scored eight goals in 37 games this season, was “not right” and suggested Keane needed a kick to the backside.
This has fed into a narrative that Rashford's camp feels has led to the player being singled out for criticism, with little protection from negativity.
In a social media post, Ms Maynard said if the couple had “genuine concerns” they should “pick up the phone”.
Ten Hag gave no reason why Rashford is in better form than last season, when he scored 30 goals, saying he is a player who can “turn the tide”.
Rashford has faced questions about his work rate on the pitch and criticism of his play. Off-field behavior this season, and in February he said people were questioning his commitment to the club. We need to show more humanity.
The defeat at Stamford Bridge left United in sixth place, 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
They still have a chance to qualify for Europe, having reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
With the European Championship coming up in the summer, Ten Hag feels England's Rashford has plenty of reasons to impress.
“He's been getting better lately,” the Dutchman said ahead of United's game against Liverpool on Sunday (15:30 CET). “I think he has a lot of motivation because he wants to be successful with us.
“He wants to score goals, but he wants to win trophies and we still have a chance to qualify for the FA Cup. “He wants to fight for a place in the Champions League, he wants to win trophies and we still have a chance to qualify for the FA Cup. I'd say he's very motivated because he's getting closer.”
“He can turn the tide. Previously.” [the 30 March game at] He scored three goals in three games for Brentford. ”
