Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United star, has faced harsh criticism from pundits, including a five-time Premier League champion who claims Rashford risks becoming one of the biggest disappointments in Premier League history unless he leaves Manchester United to reignite his career elsewhere.
A Rocky Three Years at Old Trafford
Rashford has experienced a turbulent three years at Old Trafford. During the 2021-22 season, his performance dipped significantly, resulting in just five goals from 32 games under the interim management of Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This period marked a low point in Rashford’s career, raising questions about his future at Manchester United.
A Glimpse of Redemption Under Ten Hag
The arrival of Erik ten Hag brought a resurgence in Rashford’s form. In Ten Hag’s first season, Rashford thrived, scoring a career-high 30 goals in 56 appearances. This remarkable turnaround suggested that Rashford could rediscover his best form under the right guidance and management.
A Return to Old Struggles
However, the 2023-24 season has seen Rashford revert to his earlier struggles, with only eight goals in 42 matches. His body language on the pitch has sparked speculation about his mindset and what might be happening behind the scenes. This dip in performance has led to his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for the upcoming European Championship.
Graeme Souness’s Verdict on Rashford
Graeme Souness, a legendary figure who won 11 trophies with Liverpool between 1978 and 1984, has voiced his concerns about Rashford’s career trajectory. Souness believes that despite showing world-class potential as a youngster, Rashford could end up being a major disappointment in English football.
The Case for Leaving Manchester United
Souness argues that Rashford should leave Manchester United to start afresh. He suggests that the intense pressure and adulation that come with playing for Manchester United might be hindering Rashford’s development. According to Souness, young stars at Manchester United receive far more acclaim, recognition, and money than at any other club, which can be detrimental without proper guidance and leadership.
Lack of Leadership and Mentorship
Souness points out the absence of strong leadership and mentorship for Rashford at Manchester United. He contrasts this with the era of Sir Alex Ferguson, who guided Ryan Giggs to become a world superstar through consistent mentorship. Souness questions who among the senior players or management is currently providing that level of guidance to Rashford.
Untapped Potential and Inconsistent Finishing
Souness acknowledges Rashford’s immense potential, noting his electric pace and ability to create opportunities. However, he also highlights Rashford’s inconsistency as a finisher, which has prevented him from becoming a top player. Despite scoring 30 goals last season, Rashford’s current form suggests he has not yet reached his full potential.
A Fresh Start for Improvement
Souness concludes that for Rashford’s improvement and to fully realize his potential, he should consider leaving Manchester United. Despite being from Manchester and having a strong connection to the club, a change of environment might provide the necessary impetus for Rashford to reignite his career.
The Road Ahead for Marcus Rashford
The criticism from Souness and other pundits reflects the high expectations placed on Marcus Rashford. As a player with remarkable talent and potential, Rashford’s future decisions will be crucial in determining whether he fulfills his promise or becomes one of the great disappointments in English football history.
Potential Destinations for Rashford
Should Rashford decide to leave Manchester United, several clubs could be potential destinations. A move to a different league might provide the fresh start he needs. Clubs in Spain, Italy, or Germany could offer a new environment and different challenges that might help him rediscover his best form.
Conclusion: Time for a Bold Decision
Marcus Rashford stands at a crossroads in his career. The criticism he faces, particularly from respected figures like Graeme Souness, underscores the urgency for him to make a bold decision. Whether he stays at Manchester United and fights to regain his form or seeks a new challenge elsewhere, Rashford’s next steps will be pivotal in shaping his legacy in football.
Read also: ‘Definitely’: Pundit says Man United will now consider ‘unbelievable’ manager this summer
Read also: Int’l manager says United star has played through injury all season to ‘put the team before himself’