Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has criticized Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, questioning his work-rate, commitment, and attitude. He also suggested that a “proper” club would have sold the Englishman due to his reluctance to track back.
Marcus Rashford Has Had A Poor 2023-24 Campaign
Manchester United academy graduate Rashford scored 17 goals in 35 Premier League matches last season, finishing as the top scorer. Expectations were high for him this season, but he has faced criticism for his work-rate and finishing. Rashford also received backlash for a reported 12-hour drinking spree before a FA Cup match against Newport County. Despite issuing an apology and serving a short suspension, concerns about his professionalism remain.
This season, Rashford has played 40 matches for Manchester United, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
Graeme Souness Advises Manchester United To Sell Marcus Rashford
While Rashford’s return has been disappointing, Souness’ main issue is with his work-rate. Speaking on the Three Up Front podcast, Souness emphasized the importance of tracking back and putting in effort on both ends of the field for top teams.
Souness stated:
“When I was a player, no one was given permission to not track back, you’d sprint forward, and even quicker coming back – no one was given a pass. I’d say that’s how it has been before my time and even now for the very best teams.
“If you’re at a proper club with proper professionals, you’re doing that in training each day and if you’re not, they’ll come after you. The coach doesn’t even have to say it, that’s what happens at the big clubs.”
He continued:
“This should be hammered into you in the training sessions, what Marcus Rashford showed against Ross Barkley when they played Luton a few weeks ago, means he must’ve been doing that in training.
“If he was doing that at a proper football club, they’d be all over him to the point where there would be fallouts, and if they didn’t learn, they’d think about selling you.”
Rashford, whose contract runs until June 2028, has played 399 matches for Manchester United, scoring 131 goals and providing 64 assists.
