Marcus Rashford has faced criticism from Wayne Rooney and fans on social media following his performance for Manchester United in their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old was named in Michael Carrick’s starting line-up but struggled to make an impact in their 2-0 defeat.
It was Rashford’s fifth start of the campaign across all competitions, but the forward would have hoped to make a greater contribution in Madrid. At one point, he appeared to allow goalscorer Pablo Barrios to run free before Atletico won a free-kick.
Former Benfica winger Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up to take the set-piece, which struck the post and came close to troubling Senne Lammens. The incident caught the attention of United legend Rooney, who discussed it during his half-time analysis on Amazon Prime.
He said: “Again it’s the detail that you need to get right, when you’re under pressure you need players to step up. If you look at Marcus Rashford here where he is, and he just lets Barrios run past him and that can’t happen when your team is under pressure.
“You have to stay with your runner, then it leads to the free-kick and then on another day you’re two-nil down in this stadium and then it’s very difficult to come back. You have to put the work in, and whether that means staying with your runner or staying with him until you can pass him on.”
On social media, one United fan did not hold back, writing: “Marcus Rashford is so useless, I’m not gonna lie for you.” Another commented: “Marcus Rashford will be the end of Carrick. Like why is guy not tracking back, very annoying fellow.”
A third stated: “Marcus Rashford just walking back and watching Atletico players sprint away from him. How is Matheus Cunha dropped for that?” Another added: “The Normal Marcus Rashford is back strolling during match.”
One further fan wrote: “Marcus Rashford gone back to his usual self. Just letting players walk past him.” Another added: “This has been a terrible Marcus Rashford performance. He’s looked lost on-ball and off-ball. His intensity off the ball has been lacking. Crazy crazy stuff.”
United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Diego Simeone’s Atletico, conceding the opening goal inside the first minute. Alex Baena broke into the penalty area before picking out Pablo Barrios, who fired a low shot into the back of the net.
Former Everton star Ademola Lookman doubled Atletico’s lead in the second half, just minutes after Leny Yoro had been sent off. The France international was sent off for appearing to pull down Lookman in what looked to be a soft challenge.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg disagreed with the decision, telling Amazon Prime: “That’s extremely soft. He puts his arm across, and the two players are fighting for position. I just think he goes down very, very easy.
“This has to be a clear and obvious error, and I don’t believe it is a clear and obvious error from the referee. The VAR is going to recommend that it’s a red card. Yes, it’s central but I just think it’s a coming together.
“There is an arm across the shoulder, but that contact is very slight. I don’t believe, in my opinion, that it’s a red card. But we know from this review what is going to happen.”
In the Champions League, United have now won one match and lost another as pressure continues to mount on Michael Carrick. They face another away trip next Wednesday, travelling to Italy to take on Como, with kick-off taking place at 5.45pm.
Be the first to comment