Marcus Rashford has responded to his critics after they questioned his loyalty to the club. The Manchester United player scored 30 goals in all competitions the previous season elevating him to a world-class level, but at the moment he seems to be having trouble staying consistent. Rashford is under much greater scrutiny than many of his teammates because he is seen as the face of the United squad, and also due to the fact that he went through the club’s esteemed academy system.
With nearly 400 games played for Manchester United under his belt, Rashford was once likely to be a candidate for club captain, but that position appears to be further away than it ever was. His on-pitch efforts this season have occasionally fallen short of his potential. This season, he has only scored six goals of which one (1) was for England.
A month ago, Rashford stirred controversy when he didn’t make the squad to play Newport County because he had called in sick to training after a night out. It happened just three months after Erik Ten Hag referred to his actions as “unacceptable” after going to a nightclub to celebrate his birthday a few hours after the derby loss to Man City.
Rashford has also drawn criticism for his general attitude and body language this season as the forward frequently shows a frustrated attitude towards United’s attack. Rashford has however responded to his critics and assured United supporters that the best is still yet to come from him and the team. “I promise you, the world has not seen the best of this United squad and these players. We want to be back playing in the Champions League, then we have a massive international tournament at the end of the season. We will be back where we belong. We just have to keep working, and that starts with me”, he said. “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better”, Rashford further added.
The club’s overall on-pitch challenges so far this season haven’t helped Rashford’s case and the academy graduate has been an easy target for these problems. Rashford has received harsh criticism from pundits like Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher for his lack of confidence in himself during recent games. However, he has acknowledged that criticism is a part of the industry he’s in and is certain that United is still headed in the right direction.
