Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United’s poor form from last season is still carrying through the pre-season into the start of this year’s Premier League campaign, with players like Marcus Rashford receiving a lot of criticism from pundits.
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So far The Red Devils have recorded a win and two losses in three games, with only two goals recorded, one from new signing Joshua Zirkzee on his debut against Fulham, the other against Brighton from Amad Diallo.
United are currently the fifth highest in the league for expected goals, however are second-lowest for goals scored, showing there are issues with converting opportunities into goals.
For this reason, Rashford is receiving a lot of criticism for his lack of shots, let alone goals.
Despite some impressive seasons previously, Rashford has only scored seven goals in his last 36 Premier League matches.
Insider reveals Marcus Rashford feels “bullied”
However, i news have reported that sources close to Marcus Rashford have said he feels “bullied”, suggesting: “When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different.”
They continued: “Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. 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.”
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Former Premier League legends like Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher have spoken out against the 26-year-old, with United legends Teddy Sheringham and Gary Neville also joining in the criticism.
Why the criticism from pundits against Marcus Rashford is unfair
However, Rashford’s 30 goal season in 2022/23 came when he was playing as an out and out striker, as opposed to the wing where he’s now playing, potentially making the comparison to his former self unfair.
When you look at statistics, he’s also performing exceptionally well so far this season, recording an average of 0.54 expected assists per game, better than his previous season best of 0.19.
Marcus Rashford is also joint top in the league with Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold for big chances created, showing that he’s doing what he can to supply the balls which are not being converted.
Speaking about the regular criticism of Rashford, sources close to the star said: “He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream.”
They continued: “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 working hard to find his form
Rashford is however, putting the work in to find his form once more, taking one-on-one sessions with former legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, and using the international break to undertake an intense personal training routine.
It’s understood that van Nistelrooy has taken Rashford under his wing as a bit of a personal project. The legendary goal scorer is working on Rashford’s positional awareness in order to help him become a clinical finisher.
If the Dutchman can help improve Rashford’s finishing, then that combined with his increased potential for assists could take his attacking potential to a new level.
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