Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has weighed in on Marcus Rashford’s decision to do an interview with the Players’ Tribune.
Ahead of the Manchester derby, which ended in defeat for Erik ten Hag, and during such a crucial stage of the season, this was a move that drew even further criticism on the 26-year-old.
Yes, Marcus Rashford scored quite an incredible opening goal at the Etihad, but it still doesn’t paper over the fact that he has, once again, gone backwards in his performances during this current campaign.
The limelight at Manchester United is always huge, no matter where the club is at and Paul Scholes knows that more than anybody.
The legendary midfielder labelled Marcus Rashford’s interview, and those around him who allowed him to do it, as ‘strange’, as he told Premier League Productions (03/03/24 at 12:35 pm).
There is no doubting the forward’s ability, he proved that to the world last season, and even with that strike against Manchester City, what he is capable of.
But, as Paul Scholes touched upon, sometimes you should be louder on the field of play rather than away from the pitch.
Marcus Rashford’s Players’ Tribune interview
“I think he was badly advised I don’t think there was any need for it,” said Scholes about Rashford’s Players’ Tribune interview.
“Every player I played with at Manchester United, at some point during their career, they will have a little bit of stick and they will be having a tough time on the football pitch as he is. I think that brings a little bit more attention to him, which coming to Manchester United, is something you don’t need.
“I think fans are probably right to question his commitment at times – people around him that are advising him to release something like that, at such a big point of the season, is strange to me.
“He isn’t the happiest of people, even if he is scoring 25-30 goals, he isn’t somebody who has the biggest smile on his face like Dwight Yorke or something. He never looks like he is enjoying it that much anyway. It’s probably magnified that he isn’t playing well this year. But he is still probably Manchester United’s biggest threat. 30 odd goals last year, I think.”
Still a lot to play for…
Manchester United are 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and are probably now hoping fifth spot becomes available for Champions League football.
Even though both seem very unlikely for Erik ten Hag and his players, they still need to end the season on a high, including trying to win the FA Cup.
For Rashford, if he allows his season to drift into the distance without really improving his performances, then he might just be sitting at home for Euro 2024.
If Gareth Southgate picks Rashford for England’s upcoming games, then he is a lucky boy because that would be a selection based on reputation rather than form.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
