Darren Bent makes shock claim that he he would pick Arsenal's Kai Havertz over Marcus Rashford in his team... as the former Premier League striker says 'I don't know what I'm getting' from the Man United forward

Former Premier League striker Darren Bent would rather have Kai Havertz in his team ahead of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

Havertz joined Arsenal for £65million in June, but prior to last weekend had only scored one penalty for the Gunners, leading to criticism from supporters.

But he has scored in his last two appearances for Mikel Arteta's men, while Rashford has only netted twice all season after scoring 30 goals last term. Bent is concerned by Rashford's lack of consistency, and would pick Havertz over him for this reason. 

When asked by talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein if he would seriously choose Havertz over Rashford, Bent replied: 'Right now, for what Arteta wants to do, yes.

'Currently where we are now, give me Havertz. I don't want Rashford at the minute. I don't know what I'm getting from Rashford.'

Goldstein was stunned by Bent's selection, and pointed out that Havertz still only has three goals to his name before labelling him an 'appalling player'. Yet Bent refused to back down. 

'Rashford has got two (goals)! For starters, he's (Havertz) not appalling. This is not the lifetime achievement award,' Bent continued.

'Last season, after the World Cup, Rashford was unbelievable. I've not seen that Rashford since. Right now, give me Kai Havertz over Rashford.'

Havertz has been much-maligned since arriving in England to join Chelsea in 2020. He had an underwhelming first season, but finished it in style by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

The German international failed to kick on from that, but Arteta saw enough to spend big on him in the summer. 

Bent is also starting to see promising signs from Havertz, after initially being critical of him in the opening weeks of the season.

Rashford has endured a frustrating campaign after flourishing under Erik ten Hag in 2022-23.

The goals have dried up for the 26-year-old, and he failed to impress during the latest international break, leading to former Premier League winner Tim Sherwood claiming there is 'no chance' he should start for England at next year's Euros.

Bent also appears unconvinced by Rashford, and would now take Havertz over him based on current form.