Marcus Rashford is reportedly feeling “bullied” by former Manchester United players, who have been harshly criticizing his performances.
Rashford, who is 26 years old, has had a tough start to the current season after a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, where he managed to score only eight goals across all competitions.
This was a significant drop from his best season the year before, in which he netted 30 goals, showcasing his ability as a top scorer for the Red Devils.
The criticism, which has been largely led by ex-United stars like Gary Neville and Roy Keane, has seemingly intensified due to his dip in form.
Rashford’s struggles on the pitch have led to his exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad, a tournament where the Three Lions eventually finished second to Spain.
Many United fans hoped that a summer break would help him return to form, but his difficulties have continued, as he has yet to score in the opening three matches of the Premier League season.
A source close to Rashford believes that he is being unfairly singled out compared to other players at the club.
The source told *The i*, “When others make mistakes, it often goes unnoticed, but when it’s Marcus, the narrative changes. The criticism feels excessive, almost like bullying.”
According to the source, the intense scrutiny from high-profile former players is affecting not only Rashford but also influencing the fans’ perception of him.
This, in turn, puts additional pressure on the forward, who is already battling to regain his confidence on the field.
The source further pointed out that Rashford’s role in the team has shifted to accommodate Manchester United’s £100 million investment in central strikers.
While Rashford has been playing out wide and fulfilling his responsibilities in that position, he has little control over the team’s broader struggles with finishing. Despite his effort and willingness to adapt, the burden of United’s poor results seems to be falling squarely on his shoulders.
The mounting criticism of Rashford presents a challenge for Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. With the team currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings after losing two of their first three matches, including a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, Ten Hag will need to find a way to help his star forward regain his confidence. United’s form has been far from convincing, and their recent poor results have only added to the pressure on the squad, with Rashford becoming one of the main targets for blame.
As United prepares to face Southampton, a team that has also struggled in the early stages of the season, Ten Hag will be hoping that Rashford can break his goalless streak and rediscover his form.
The team desperately needs a boost, and Rashford’s return to scoring could be a turning point for both the player and the club.
However, the continued harsh criticism from former players and fans alike could further hinder Rashford’s ability to bounce back, especially if he feels singled out for issues that extend beyond his individual performance.
The situation with Rashford illustrates the broader challenges Manchester United is facing as they seek to regain their footing in the Premier League, with a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football likely on the line this season.
For Rashford, breaking out of this slump will require both the support of his manager and teammates, and perhaps a shift in the way he is treated by those outside the club.
