Marcus Rashford 'believes Man Utd legends are bullying him' as details emerge ahead of Southampton clash

Marcus Rashford Man Utd Southampton

Marcus Rashford has attracted criticism so far this season as Man Utd prepare to face Southampton

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/09/2024

- 10:13

The England international is likely to start the showdown at St Mary's despite his poor form

Marcus Rashford believes Manchester United legends are 'bullying him' ahead of today's match with Southampton, reports say.

The 26-year-old is yet to score this season and was recently omitted from Lee Carsley's England squad for matches against Ireland and Finland.


Rashford was outstanding just two seasons ago, netting 30 goals across all competitions as United finished third in the Premier League table and won the Carabao Cup.

He netted just eight times in the last campaign, however, and continues to frustrate supporters with his lack of consistency.

Marcus Rashford Man Utd Southampton

Marcus Rashford has attracted criticism so far this season as Man Utd prepare to face Southampton

PA

United legends haven't been afraid to criticise Rashford, with Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham among those to blast the struggling forward.

Yet Rashford, according to the i, believes he's being unfairly singled out.

A source has said the winger thinks he's being 'bullied', especially when some of his team-mates have also toiled.

"When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it's different," an insider is quoted as saying.

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"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 £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."

Rashford does continue to create chances for United, even if his goalscoring form has dipped.

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That was the case against Liverpool last time out, with the winger creating several opportunities that Joshua Zirkzee was unable to convert.

Rashford is still expected to start for United against Southampton today as they look to bounce back after defeats to Liverpool and Brighton.

If the Red Devils lose, it will pile yet more pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman was kept on at Old Trafford after winning the FA Cup in May, despite his side finishing eighth in the Premier League table.

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Marcus Rashford believes Man Utd legends are bullying him ahead of today's match against Southampton

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Yet United remain a far cry from the side that dominated the top flight during Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge.

Ten Hag is, however, adamant that United will climb up the table and challenge for trophies come the end of the season.

“We will see where we are in May next year. It's very early in the season and it's about winning trophies, being as high as possible, of course, in the league," he said.

"Do everything to win every game and then we will see in May where we are and then judge.”

Marcus Rashford Man Utd

Marcus Rashford is yet to score for Man Utd this season as they prepare to face Southampton today

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On the outside noise, he continued: “It doesn't impact me. I know, in the process, where we are, what we have to do, where we are going.

"I have said before, we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team. We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team.

"Before anyone thinks about excuses, no: we have to win every game. I know that, the team knows this and it doesn't matter who is available.

"We will focus on every game and, in every game, have the mindset we have to win.”

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