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Less than 12 months ago, Marcus Rashford was making headlines for rattling opposition nets at will.
The Manchester United superstar was enjoying the hottest streak of his career, eventually ending the 2022/23 campaign with 30 goals and 10 assists to his name in all competitions.
With Cristiano Ronaldo out of the picture, Erik ten Hag viewed Rashford as his talisman, who was aptly rewarded with a new long-term contract.
Fast forward to this week, the England international is still in the news. But for all the wrong reasons.
The 26-year-old is no longer a guaranteed fixture in Ten Hag’s side, with many fans pushing for Alejandro Garnacho to replace Rashford on the left flank for good.
From the underwhelming form on the pitch to injuries, and that infamous Belfast outing too, Rashford has frequently attracted negative headlines this season, so much so that it seems not many see a way back for him.
In his latest piece for The Athletic, reputed journalist Andy Mitten talked about how Rashford is being perceived among the fanbase, underlining that “love for him” has slowly diminished.
Mitten revealed that a recent United We Stand fanzine poll saw only 14.1 per cent of fans admitting they would be “gutted” seeing the academy product depart.
Rashford has felt the heat himself in recent weeks, leading to him reacting emotionally on social media. “It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough,” he posted on X.
I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough https://t.co/MUfiU0JwEb
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 25, 2024
Mitten seemingly has the solution for this toxic situation involving the forward who has contributed to nearly 200 goals in an inconsistent team since graduating from the academy.
Mentioning other much-scrutinised academy graduates like Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, Mitten writes, “What’s the alternative? There’s a big world out there, one where you can enjoy life and smile, as his friend Jesse Lingard is finding out.”
This coming from Mitten, who more often than not stays away from sensational claims, highlights just how frustrating things have become behind the scenes.
A move away may be for the ‘best’. Still, this is, however, easier said than done. First of all, it remains unclear if the Wythenshawe-born player, a boyhood United fan, wants to exit Old Trafford. Secondly, United only recently extended his contract through 2028.
All reports in recent days have hinted that while Rashford is not untouchable anymore, United are not actively looking to part ways with him. In short, expect the drama to continue at the Theatre of Dreams!
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