Bruno Fernandes has refused to speculate on the root of Marcus Rashford 's concerning form and insisted every Manchester United player must share the blame for the forward's drought.
Rashford, 24, has scored just five goals this season and the last of these came almost three months ago. The England international has been in and out of the United starting XI under Ralf Rangnick but played 90 minutes in Tuesday night's heavy defeat by Liverpool.
He was one of the many visiting players who endured a torrid night at Anfield and Red Devils legend Roy Keane accused him of "playing like a child".
However, Fernandes claimed there is nothing to be gained from singling out underperforming players in a staunch defence of his teammate.
"I don't have anything to say about that," the Portuguese playmaker told Stadium Astro when quizzed on Rashford's poor form in recent months.
"Marcus has been professional, he's training, he's training well, he's doing what he has to do. Obviously, when the team doesn't perform it's difficult for the individual to come out. We don't have to blame any player or anyone because the blame has to be on all of us."
In a bleak verdict on United's campaign, Fernandes confessed his side are a long way off competing with Liverpool or Manchester City, who appear to be leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the Premier League. "Liverpool were just better than us, they did everything they had to do to win the game and they deserved it," the 27-year-old added. "Obviously this season has not been the best for us, we're waiting for a different season.
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"This one we thought it could be a different one but obliviously we're not at the same level as Manchester City and Liverpool, they are better than us at this moment and we have to accept that."
Despite admitting United cannot compete with the two teams at the top of the league table, Fernandes has no doubt each player is giving their all to the cause.
"I think everyone runs, I think every game is effort from everyone," he told Sky Sports. "I don't want to think even that someone doesn't give 100 per cent for themselves. Even for themselves and for the team. Everyone has to do it. In first place as I said for ourselves, after for the team and after obviously for the club we represent, the fans and everyone." United return to action against Arsenal in Saturday's early kick-off.
