Manchester United star Marcus Rashford reportedly believes that criticism of him from the club’s former players in the media amounts to ‘bullying’ and is ‘beyond unfair’.
Rashford has struggled for form and has yet to score this season, while he only netted seven Premier League goals last campaign.
According to The i, Rashford feels the criticism he receives is different to that of his team-mates.
A source told The i: ‘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. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse.
Marcus Rashford believes Manchester United legends in the media are ‘bullying him’
Rashford believes that some of the criticism of his performances for United is unjust
‘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.’
Pundits that have criticised Rashford recently include ex-United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.
In addition, United supporters have frequently criticised Rashford on social media.
During the international break Rashford undertook an intense personal training routine as he sought to demonstrate that he can recapture his best form for United and regain his place in the England squad.
Despite his lack of goals, Rashford still creates numerous chances for United, while there is a feeling within the player’s camp that many of the club’s players have struggled to perform under Erik ten Hag.
Rashford has 60 caps for England but was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 and also wasn’t included in new interim boss Lee Carsley’s first selection.
Neville criticised Rashford’s display in United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool as he lamented that the attacker had no confidence.
Gary Neville is amongst the former Man United stars to have criticised Rashford
Roy Keane claimed in April that Rashford needed ‘an old fashioned kick up the a***’.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: ‘There’s no confidence .He had a one on one with Konate and he’s ended back up at centre-back.
‘The United fans aren’t going to let him get away with that. Whatever happens, you still have to go for it and take the one on one on.
‘He might not be having a great day, great time, but he’s just turned back and that tells you where his head is at.
‘It’s been going on 14 months, he scored 30 goals the season before last.
‘I’d like to think he can get his confidence back but it’s looking like a struggled. The game doesn’t look enjoyable for him right now and that’s sad.’
In April, Keane claimed that Rashford needed ‘an old fashioned kick up the a***’.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Keane said: ‘I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him, but you look at him and there’s something amiss. The people around him, whether it be family or his manager, who’s on his case every day?’
‘Who is giving him an old-fashioned kick up the a*** and saying ‘Come on, we need more from you’. If you want to be this leader, and you’re on the big contracts, then there is that responsibility.’
Sheringham, meanwhile, claimed that it still isn’t clear what Rashford’s best position is and also stated that Rashford has to work hard to get out of his current slump.
Speaking to Ladbrokes’ ‘Gaffa of All Accas’, Sheringham said: ‘He’s having a tough time, no doubt about it. He hasn’t got leaders out there helping him; he’s having a tough time and the rest of the players are just saying get on with it. You need players that are going to rally around you. You know, you change your own performances with hard work, with graft, and you work your way into the game by showing people that you really care.
