Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Premier League, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Erik Ten Hag, Southampton
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Premier League, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Erik Ten Hag, Southampton
Marcus Rashford reportedly feels that former Manchester United players are 'bullying' him and that recent criticism of him is 'beyond fair'.
Rashford, 26, has made an underwhelming start to the new season after struggling in the 2023/24 campaign.
The forward managed just eight goals in all competitions last term, compared to hitting a career-high 30 in the 2022/23 season.
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That disappointing form saw him miss out on a place in England's squad for Euro 2024, where Gareth Southgate's side finished runners-up to Spain.
United fans had hoped that a rest over the summer break would help Rashford rediscover his best form.
But he has failed to find the net in the club's first three matches of the new Premier League season.
Rashford has attracted criticism from former United players throughout this year, with Gary Neville and Roy Keane among those to call out the Englishman.
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But a source close to Rashford claims the forward feels he is being unfairly targeted compared to his teammates.
"When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it's different," a source from Rashford's camp told the i.
"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 £100 million 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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The comments will come as an unwanted distraction for United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Saturday's match against Southampton.
The Red Devils are currently 14th in the Premier League table after losing two of their opening three games, including a humiliating 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool prior to the international break.
Ten Hag will be hoping Rashford can end his goalless streak against the Saints, who are second-bottom of the division – having lost all three of their games since returning to the top flight, conceding five goals in the process.
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SPORTbible has contacted Rashford's representatives for comment.