Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has challenged Alejandro Garnacho to “step up” following Marcus Rashford’s recent exit from Old Trafford.. Rashford left United on the eve of the January transfer deadline, joining Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season after being ousted from the first-team squad by head coach Ruben Amorim.. Rashford last played for United on December 12 – starting a 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen – and was left out of 12 of the next 13 matchday squads ahead of his move to Villa being finalised. He made his first appearance for his new club against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup last Sunday as a second half substitute.. The attacker left United having scored seven goals in 24 matches so far this season, meaning only Amad (nine), Bruno Fernandes (nine and Garnacho (eight) have scored more. However, Saha believes the onus is on Garnacho to raise his game following the departure of his fellow attacker.. Speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said: “Alejandro Garnacho needs to step up after Marcus Rashford’s departure but so does every player. It’s been a lot of games where Rashford wasn’t even playing, and the players didn’t step up.. “The individuals need to focus on their own performances and play for the fans and the manager. Garnacho’s approach to games has been good and he hasn’t come out speaking to the media.. “He’s properly focused and we need all players to be like that. This club doesn’t need outside noise, they need real focus on how to improve and be consistent, especially with the forwards.”. United have been too reliant on certain individuals inside the final third this season, particularly since Amorim’s appointment in November.. “When the forwards show dedication, it brings another level to the squad,” Saha added. “If Garnacho is in the mood, and you can sense the confidence from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, that really gets the team going. If the Manchester United attackers don’t show that, we’ll see an over-reliance on one or two players because the foundation is not very strong.”
