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Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal show no signs of abating with the Red Devils scoring only twice in three games while topping the charts for the most big chances spurned.
Last season, Erik ten Hag’s men were the joint-lowest scorers among the top-10 teams in the Premier League with none of the forwards except Rasmus Hojlund impressing.
Marcus Rashford, who earned a new contract on the back of his career-best season in 2022/23, was a major disappointment as he managed only eight goals throughout the whole of last season.
His dip in form saw the player miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros while for the first time since his breakthrough, there were major deliberations over whether to sell him in the summer.
Rashford’s struggles
INEOS kept him on, delivering an ultimatum to the forward to perform or perish but so far, the 26-year-old has failed to register a goal or an assist.
He has been severely criticised by pundits and former players and the player’s camp feels there has been a constant barrage of hate pointed towards him, almost akin to bullying.
There is a growing feeling that the forward is being made a scapegoat for the profligacy shown by his fellow attackers and the poor play from the team overall.
“When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different. Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying,” a source told i news.
“Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse. The club have spent £100m 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.”
There is some truth to that statement with the Mancunian currently joint-second for big chances created but is yet to grab an assist. Joshua Zirkzee was at fault for spurning two gilt-edged chances against Liverpool.
The Englishman was spotted training on his own during the international break and he is desperate to show that he still cares and can spark his career back to life.
Unhappy with the hate
And his camp feels the versatile forward needs more support from fans and former players instead of the constant negativity.
“He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream,” the source added. “So why can people not get off his back? Some support from somewhere might help him get back to his best.
“Without that, and with these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.”
Rashford is on humongous wages and the club have backed him despite inconsistent seasons in the past, and it is high time he starts performing on the pitch to shut his critics up.
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