Marcus Rashford is ‘surprised’ by Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to help him improve

Cristiano Ronaldo has been giving Marcus Rashford ‘constructive criticism about his positioning on the pitch’, according to reports. 

Ronaldo has made just one Premier League start this season and has failed to score in the English top-flight. As a result, Rashford has been picked ahead of him.  

Rashford is said to be ‘surprised’ by Ronaldo’s willingness to help him improve after he took the 37-year-old’s place in Erik ten Hag‘s starting XI. 

Ronaldo’s training tips are said to be ‘genuine’ and the 37-year-old is reportedly keen to help Rashford ‘improve’ and ‘succeed’.  

A source told The Sun: ‘Ronaldo has been a bit of a pain in the dressing room and some of the players have been frustrated about the fact he missed pre-season and has been sulking around Carrington.

‘But since the transfer window closed, his attitude has improved and he has been very helpful with Marcus.

‘He’s been spending time with him, talking about the game and giving his constructive criticism about positioning on the pitch.

‘Marcus has been a bit surprised by it because it’s always difficult when you’re playing and a team-mate isn’t and you’re both fighting for the same position.

‘But the relationship between the pair has never been better and Marcus knows he can learn a lot from him.

‘He’s grateful for the advice and for the fact that Ronaldo seems genuine in that he wants Marcus to improve and succeed.’

Rashford, 24, has established himself as Ten Hag’s first choice up front after scoring three goals and registering two assists in six games. 

Meanwhile, Ronaldo – who scored an impressive 24 goals last season – has failed to score a Premier League goal this season.

His first goal of the season came from the penalty spot during United’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspo last week.