Marcus Rashford has been ruthlessly criticised for failing to follow up on Mason Greenwood’s shot in Manchester United’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
Scott McTominay linked up superbly with Fred in the opening 10 minutes to fire United into the lead in the third-round clash on Monday.
However, Ralf Rangnick’s men fought hard to secure the result as Villa piled the pressure on United during the fiercely contested FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.
Steven Gerrard’s Villa had the ball in United’s net twice early in the second period, but they were ruled out on both occasions.
Rashford failed to impress for United and his ‘body language’ was questioned by eagle-eyed fans on social media.
The 24-year-old United forward missed one of his best chances after he fired his shot at Emiliano Martinez from an acute angle.
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And Rashford’s performance for United was summed up after he showed little desire to pounce on the follow-up opportunity presented from Greenwood’s shot.
Greenwood was played through in the second half and saw his effort denied by the Villa No 1, only for Martinez to parry the ball away from him.
Rashford didn’t waste any energy attempting to be the first to the loose ball, with Martinez immediately scrambling to secure the ball after he failed to hold it.
The England international hasn’t scored in his last 11 matches and has failed to find the back of the net since United’s 3-0 win over Tottenham last October.
Rangnick pulled Rashford from the match late into the second half and replaced him with Anthony Elanga.
The United interim manager defended Rashford after his wasted chances and claimed he didn’t “see a problem” with him due to him trying and training.
“He’s trying hard and done well in training in the last couple of days,” Rangnick said.
“For strikers, it is important to score goals. It would be good for Marcus to score but as long as he’s trying and training well, I don't see a problem.”
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/FA CupTopics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa, FA Cup, England, Premier League, Football
Adnan Riaz