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Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal show no sign of abating. The Red Devils have scored just two goals in three games and are top of the table for missing the most scoring chances.
Last season, Erik ten Hag’s side had the joint-lowest scoring tally among the Premier League’s top 10, with none of their attackers apart from Rasmus Højlund impressing.
Marcus Rashford, who signed a new contract after a career-best 2022/23 season, was a huge disappointment last season, scoring just eight goals throughout.
His poor form saw him miss out on being called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros, and for the first time since he emerged as a sensation, there was serious speculation about whether he should be sold in the summer.
Rashford’s struggles
INEOS have given the striker an ultimatum to keep him in the squad and to keep playing or face expulsion, but the 26-year-old has yet to register a goal or assist.
He has been harshly criticised by pundits and former players, and he feels there is a constant barrage of hate towards him in the players’ camp, bordering on bullying.
There is growing public opinion that strikers are being made scapegoats because of the debauchery of their fellow strikers and the poor play of the entire team.
“When someone else misses a pass it’s not mentioned, but when it’s Marcus it’s different. It’s very different. The criticism that comes at him is a barrage. It’s bullying,” the source said. I news.
“The supporters believe the words of former players and that only makes things worse. The club has spent £100m on a central striker and Marcus is back out wide and acting as a coordinator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It is not his fault that opportunities are slipping away.”
There is some truth to that statement, with the Manchester native currently tied for second in terms of big chance creation but yet to register an assist. Joshua Zirkzee was at fault for missing two fine chances against Liverpool.
The Englishman has been pictured training alone during the international break and is keen to show he still has the fire and can reinvigorate his playing career.
Dissatisfied with hate
And his camp believes the versatile attacker needs more support from fans and former players rather than constant negativity.
“He’s a local lad from Manchester who is living his dream,” the source added. “So why can’t people get off his back? With some support from somewhere, he can get back to his best.
“If he doesn’t have that, and he has former players who can’t control themselves no matter how little they do wrong, it’s just harder on him.”
Rashford is on a huge salary and the club has supported him despite his unstable performances last season. Now it is time for him to show his mettle on the pitch and silence his critics.
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