Rashford was one of several United players to come under criticism for their performances after Erik ten Hag’s side slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old, however, was seemingly singled out by United fans during the second half when the decision to bring off Alejandro Garnacho – rather than Rashford – was booed by the Old Trafford faithful.
After a disappointing season which saw just eight goals in all competitions, Rashford is still yet to show glimpses of his best this term and has not even registered a shot in the Premier League despite starting all of United’s first three games.
Despite that, Cole admitted he was still surprised to see the academy graduate subjected to boos at Old Trafford, describing it as ‘surreal’ and ‘disappointing’.
‘With Marcus being a boy from Manchester, and considering how long I’ve been personally involved with the club, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a local player have such a relationship with the fans,’ the former United striker told Betfred.
‘It’s a little bit surreal because the fans usually get behind one of their own and in general, they get behind the team. For them to focus on one individual is a bit disappointing to see and the only way Marcus can get through this situation is by winning the fans back.
‘That’s going to be done via his performances, goals and doing what he did a couple of seasons ago.’
Cole, instead, urged patience from United fans on the part of Rashford but said the England international must get ‘back to basics’ if he is to rediscover his best form.
‘I’ve said this before, but nobody actually knows what’s going on with him. It could be something so personal that it’s impacting his football,’ he added.
‘I’m not going to sit here and say it could be X, Y and Z because in football you need to get back to basics and that’s what Marcus has to do.
‘We’re only three games into the season and there’s still a hell of a lot of football still to be played yet.’
After their drubbing at Old Trafford, Ten Hag sought to defend his decision to keep Rashford on the pitch and said the forward had been a threat on the day.
‘He created two big chances for [Joshua] Zirkzee and that is what you have to acknowledge,’ the Dutchman said.
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