Featured Image Credit: Alamy & BBC
Topics: Aston Villa, FA Cup, Football, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Aston Villa, FA Cup, Football, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has come under fire from Manchester United fans for his lacklustre performance in their FA Cup third round win over Aston Villa.
United progressed to the fourth round with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Monday night, with midfielder Scott McTominay scoring the decisive goal after just eight minutes.
Villa dominated large periods of the match and had two goals disallowed by referee Michael Oliver.
Manchester United fans were less than impressed with their side’s performance, with Rashford's form a particular cause for concern.
Twitter user StretfordPaddock wrote: "There's something seriously wrong with Rashford this season!"
FourFourJordan added: "Rashford ain’t right. It ain’t just a football problem, clearly has something going on. He ain’t smiled in months."
BBC reporter Simon Stone, who was watching the match at Old Trafford, wrote: "There are a few Manchester United fans close to me not happy with Marcus Rashford at all.
"The England man is struggling for form at present and nothing seems to be going right for him at the moment."
England international Rashford struggled throughout the match and missed a golden opportunity to score in the second half after failing to capitalise on a rebound in the box.
“If Rashford is on his front foot there, he's got a tap-in. It looked like he didn't want to get himself a simple goal,” said BBC commentator Dion Dublin.
“If he continues his run at pace, he's got a side-foot. He looks disheartened, I haven't seen him smile in a long time.”
Rashford was substituted late in the game to cheers from the home support at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has managed just three goals in his 14 appearances this season and his lack of form was a topic of discussion during the half-time interval.
“I get Marcus Rashford has had injuries and he's struggling for confidence,” said BBC pundit Alan Shearer.
“He's done amazing work off the pitch, but it looks as though everything is a chore, as if he is not enjoying his football.”
Earlier this week, Rashford vowed to prove his doubters wrong and reaffirmed his commitment to United.
"I'm not sulking, I'm not unhappy, am I disappointed in some of my performances? Of course I am," wrote Rashford in an emotional message posted on social media.
"I'm my own biggest critic. It's been a tough start but I'm determined to prove my worth.
"My dedication and my desire to be here should never be in question. I love this club."
United will now face Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 5.
Up next for Ralf Rangnick's side is a familiar opponent. They host Villa again in the Premier League on Saturday.