Marcus Rashford has struggled for form over the last year (Photo: Getty)
Marcus Rashford believes former Manchester United stars’ criticism of him is akin to ‘bullying’, according to a source close to the player.
After a stellar first season under Erik ten Hag where he scored 30 goals, Rashford’s form plummeted last season amid several notable off-pitch incidents.
The forward found the back of the net just eight times across all competitions and missed out on a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
The 26-year-old had hoped for a turnaround in fortunes this season, but so far things haven’t gone to plan for him or his club.
United have lost two of their opening three games of the campaign, and despite playing nearly every minute of them, Rashford hasn’t had a single shot on or off target.
Moreover, fans jeered Ten Hag when he opted to sub off Alejandro Garnacho instead of the Three Lions star during the 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Criticism of the player has been widespread, with United legend Gary Neville admitting it was ‘sad’ to watch Rashford’s struggles.
Gary Neville is among the Man Utd legend and pundits to criticise Rashford (Photo: Getty)
Alan Shearer said the player and United as a whole hadn’t been ‘anywhere near good enough’ in front of goal, comments that Ten Hag later labelled ‘stupid analysis’, though the Premier League legend had the last laugh.
It seems that the criticism has been affecting Rashford, who reportedly feels ‘bullied’ by the pundits and thinks their comments are ‘unfair’.
This is from a source close to the forward who told the i: ‘When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different. Very different.
Erik ten Hag has repeatedly defended his player (Photo: Getty)
‘The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes it worse.
‘With these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.
‘The club have spent £100million on central strikers and Marcus is back out wide, as a facilitator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It isn’t his fault the chances aren’t being put away.’
It should be noted that while he has not threatened the goal directly this season,Rashford has created three big chances so far – only Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer and Bryan Mbeumo have more.
Nevertheless, even with Rasmus Hojlund still injured, Ten Hag has faced calls to drop Rashford for Saturday’s trip to Southampton, though some believe the manager should retain faith in the player.
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