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Rashford’s Struggles Under the Microscope
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is once again in the spotlight, but not for the right reasons. As the Red Devils grapple with their form, Rashford seems to be the scapegoat for the team’s troubles, receiving a level of criticism that other high-profile players at rival clubs appear to avoid. With United reportedly willing to sell the academy graduate for a bargain price of £40 million, the question arises: why is Rashford bearing the brunt of the blame?
Rashford’s Numbers: Not as Bad as They Seem
Despite a dip in form this season, Rashford has still managed to find the net seven times across all competitions. While this isn’t the prolific scoring rate fans have come to expect from him, it’s a respectable tally nonetheless. Yet, the young forward often finds himself in the crosshairs of criticism, overshadowing the myriad issues plaguing Old Trafford under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
City Stars Escape Criticism
Angelina Kelly, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted a glaring inconsistency in the criticism directed at players from rival clubs. She pointed out that fellow England internationals Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, both of Manchester City, have also struggled but seem to fly under the radar. Grealish, for instance, has gone goalless in 44 games this year, yet he continues to receive praise from fans for his contributions. Meanwhile, Foden has been sidelined more often and was even left on the bench during City’s recent defeat against Juventus.
Why the Double Standards?
The disparity in scrutiny raises eyebrows. Is Rashford held to a higher standard simply because he dons the Manchester United jersey? It’s a possibility that can’t be ignored. Even with his recent struggles, Rashford would still be a valuable asset for any top club worldwide, yet he finds himself under incessant scrutiny.
Guardiola’s Shielding Effect
Interestingly, City manager Pep Guardiola is also facing his share of criticism, with fans calling for his head following a dismal run of just one win in ten matches. This could inadvertently create a shield for players like Grealish and Foden, who may not be performing at their best but aren’t facing the same level of backlash as Rashford. The constant rotation of players in and out of the starting XI may be a tactic to manage expectations and keep the focus off individual performances.
Rashford’s Form: A Need for Change?
Rashford’s return of only eight goals last season is indeed disappointing by his standards, especially considering his consistent presence under various managers. It begs the question: does he need a change of scenery to rediscover his form? A new manager or different environment could potentially reignite his spark, but he is far from the only player struggling in the current climate.
Looking Ahead: The Manchester Derby
As the Manchester derby approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Rashford once again. With Mason Mount recently sending a message to supporters, the atmosphere around Old Trafford is charged with anticipation. Will Rashford rise to the occasion, or will he continue to be the target of criticism? Only time will tell, but the narrative surrounding his performances is sure to be a talking point in the days to come.
