Manchester United supporters have blasted Marcus Rashford’s work rate during his substitute appearance in Thursday’s 4-3 defeat against Chelsea. Damning footage emerging from the Red Devils’ dramatic collapse at Stamford Bridge hasn’t helped simmer rising friction between Rashford and the fanbase.
Erik ten Hag raised eyebrows by benching the 26-year-old despite him scoring in three of his last four games.
Antony replaced Rashford in the starting lineup and produced one of his better performances of the season after clumsily conceding a penalty in the early stages.
Rashford was introduced for Rasmus Hojlund in the 66th minute before Antony’s first Premier League assist of the campaign for Alejandro Garnacho’s goal to fire the visitors 3-2 ahead.
United worked hard to maintain their defensive shape and limit Chelsea’s openings to hold onto their lead until the 100th minute when Palmer’s second penalty and immediate winner completed a comeback of their own.
Rashford’s work rate has been regularly criticised throughout a disappointing season in which he’s scored just eight goals in all competitions compared to his career-best tally of 30 in 2022/23.
And United fans once again took issue with his lack of pressing from the front as the visitors fought to secure what would’ve been a crucial three points in their fight for Champions League qualification.
Footage re-surfacing online shows Rashford allowing Palmer to progress the ball past him near the halfway line with little intent to win it and launch an attack.
@whittylee posted on X: “Rashford does need to go too. A player half-a***d jogging, playing as a striker for Manchester United, is simply unacceptable. Bare minimum you expect is work rate and he does not provide this. Shocking.”
@Alex_Rowe18 added: “He’s literally like this week in week out, idk how more people haven’t clocked it.”
@DaveyBalleyXIIII wrote: “What does he care? Probably on £100,000-a-week. Some elite footballers could not care less what fans think about performances. Amount of money they earn to them they will still get paid no matter the performance on the pitch.”
In February, Rashford released a public interview with The Players’ Tribune, fighting back against claims he wasn’t committed enough to United.
However, supporters have formed their own judgements based on watching the England international look like a shadow of his former self this term.
Earlier this week, Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand admitted that they were worried that Rashford’s body language indicated something wasn’t right.
The United No. 10’s brother called Neville out on social media hours before the Chelsea game, drawing more unwanted attention to the player.
