Marcus Rashford has started four of Man Utd's first five Premier League matches this season, but has shown little impact. His playing attitude has also sparked controversy, as he often appears on the field looking stressed, uncomfortable, and lacking the necessary enthusiasm for an attacking player. These factors have intensified criticism, especially since Rashford earns the second-highest salary at Old Trafford, at 400,000 USD per week.
Following Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Premier League on 20/9, Owen described the number 9 forward as "sulky". The former legend, who won the 2001 Ballon d'Or, also suggested that Rashford no longer seems to love football. "It looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Why? He is living a life everyone dreams of. There must be something behind the scenes that makes him seem unable to enjoy football right now", Owen said.
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Rashford expresses disappointment after a missed opportunity in Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Fulham in the fifth round of the Premier League on 20/9, in London, England. *Photo: AP* |
Rashford was once one of Man Utd's best academy graduates over the past 20 years, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79 times in 432 matches. However, since a conflict with then-coach Ruben Amorim in 12/2024, his relationship with the club has deteriorated.
Rashford once attempted to leave Old Trafford, but was unsuccessful. He performed well during loan spells with other clubs: scoring four goals and assisting six times in 17 matches for Aston Villa, and scoring 14 goals and assisting 15 times in 49 matches, winning La Liga with Barca. However, no club was willing to permanently sign the England forward. The reason for the failure of both deals was the high salary and transfer fee demanded by Man Utd.
This summer, instead of agreeing to pay 30 million USD for a player not tactically suitable, Barca invested 77 million USD in Anthony Gordon. Consequently, Rashford had to return to Man Utd to complete the remaining two years of his contract.
According to Owen, Rashford performed quite well, but not enough to sign a long-term contract with a club like Barca. Subsequently, being rejected for a permanent transfer likely disappointed the 28-year-old left winger.
Owen worries that if Rashford does not regain his form and enthusiasm soon, he could easily lose his way. "He is only decent. Benjamin Sesko is under pressure to return as the starting striker if he is not injured. If that happens, Cunha will play on the left wing, and Rashford will be the weakest link in the attack", said the former legend who played for Liverpool, Real, and Man Utd.
Man Utd's start to the season has been average. The "Red Devils" have won only one of their first five Premier League matches, earning five points and ranking 12th. They defeated Sabah 4-0 in their Champions League qualifying round opener, but were eliminated by Brighton with a 2-3 score in the third round of the English League Cup.
Thanh Quy (according to PLP)
