Just as optimism was starting to build among Manchester United fans, the team encountered a significant setback, succumbing to a well-deserved 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The blow came on Friday when Manchester United, led by the under-fire Erik ten Hag, learned that their in-form striker, Rasmus Hojlund, would be sidelined due to injury for the crucial match.
With the absence of key players, the onus was on the senior squad members to step up, but they failed to deliver. Marcus Rashford, a player often in the spotlight, particularly drew criticism. ESPN’s Craig Burley, not mincing words, suggested that it might be time for Rashford to exit the club, placing him on the transfer list ahead of the underperforming Antony.
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While Rashford was in peak form this time last season, the 26-year-old finds himself back at square one. Burley expressed disappointment, stating, “I thought the boy would turn a corner and say ‘I want to be this player every year.’ His attitude, not just today, has been lacking, despite scoring the odd goal recently.”
Burley went on to emphasize that, if he were Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he would advise putting Rashford on the transfer list. The assessment of Rashford’s attitude and recent performances is seen as reverberating negatively within the team.
The setback against Fulham dealt a severe blow to Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations, especially as Aston Villa secured a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, placing them eight points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s side. With Manchester United trailing behind fifth-placed Tottenham by five points, coupled with a poorer goal difference and having played an extra game, the hope of a top-four finish is diminishing, especially with a challenging match against Manchester City looming in the Premier League.