Peter Crouch has admitted he feels sorry for Marcus Rashfordamid insider claims that treatment of the Man United forward by club legends is like 'bullying'
Rashford has struggled to replicate the form that saw him score 30 goals across all competitions in the 2022-23 season.
The 26-year-old failed to make England's Euro 2024 squad over the summer having netted just seven Premier League goals last term.
However, he opened his account for the season on Saturday with a superb first half strike as United thrashed newly-promoted Southampton 3-0 at St Mary's.
Amid recent reports of 'bullying' and 'beyond unfair' criticism in the media, Crouch said he sympathises with Rashford as he praised the forward's bright display against the Saints.
'He’s not there yet, it’s one game obviously Southampton have been struggling but I thought there was a lot of positives,' the former Liverpool striker said on TNT Sports.
'He takes a lot of hammering Rashford and I feel sorry for him at times because people expect so much and he does have so much talent you know it’s in there.
'There was a certain hunger to him today and I look at the pace and how dynamic his running was today and obviously the goal will do him the world of good. I definitely thought he was a lot sharper than he has been in previous weeks.'
According to the i, insiders feel that the criticism Rashford receives is different to that of his team-mates.
A source told the i: 'When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it's different.
'Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse.
'The club have spent £100m on central strikers and Marcus is back out wide, as a facilitator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It isn't his fault the chances aren't being put away.'
Pundits that have criticised Rashford recently include ex-United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.
In addition, United supporters have frequently criticised Rashford on social media.
Neville criticised Rashford's display in United's 3-0 loss to Liverpool as he lamented that the attacker had no confidence.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: 'There's no confidence .He had a one on one with Konate and he's ended back up at centre-back.
Gary Neville is amongst the former Man United stars to have criticised Rashford
'The United fans aren't going to let him get away with that. Whatever happens, you still have to go for it and take the one on one on.
'He might not be having a great day, great time, but he's just turned back and that tells you where his head is at.
'It's been going on 14 months, he scored 30 goals the season before last.
'I'd like to think he can get his confidence back but it's looking like a struggled. The game doesn't look enjoyable for him right now and that's sad.'