Peter Crouch has recently expressed his sympathy for Marcus Rashford, especially in light of claims that the treatment Rashford is receiving from former Manchester United legends could be considered ‘bullying.’
This comes as Rashford struggles to recapture the form that saw him score 30 goals in the 2022-23 season.
Rashford’s Recent Struggles
Marcus Rashford has had a challenging time this season, failing to secure a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad after only scoring seven Premier League goals last term.
However, there was a glimmer of hope on Saturday when he scored a stunning goal in the first half of Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Southampton.
Crouch’s Praise and Support
Amid the recent backlash and allegations of unfair treatment, Crouch praised Rashford for his performance against Southampton.
“He’s not fully back yet, but it’s just one game,” Crouch said on TNT Sports.
“Southampton has been struggling, but Rashford showed a lot of positives.
He’s faced a lot of criticism, and I feel for him because there are high expectations, but his talent is undeniable.”
Crouch continued, “There was a noticeable hunger in his play today.
The pace and dynamism in his running were impressive, and scoring the goal should be a huge boost for him.
He looked sharper than he has in recent weeks.”
Allegations of Unfair Criticism
According to the i, there are claims that Rashford receives a different level of scrutiny compared to his teammates.
An insider noted, “When others make mistakes, it’s not highlighted, but when Marcus does, it’s treated differently.
The criticism he faces feels like an onslaught, almost bullying.
The perception is worsened by what senior ex-players say.”
The source also pointed out that despite Manchester United spending £100 million on central strikers, Rashford is being used out wide, and he’s fulfilling his role effectively.
“It’s not his fault if chances aren’t being converted,” they added.
Criticism from Former Players and Fans
Recent critics of Rashford include former Manchester United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Teddy Sheringham.
Neville, in particular, has been vocal about Rashford’s performance, especially after United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
On Sky Sports, Neville commented, “He’s lacking confidence.
He had a one-on-one situation and ended up retreating. United fans won’t let him off easily; he needs to be more aggressive.”
Neville added, “It’s been over a year since he scored 30 goals.
It’s tough to see him struggle like this. He seems to be finding the game less enjoyable, which is really sad.”
Looking Ahead
As Rashford continues to navigate these challenges, the hope is that his recent goal and performance will help him regain his confidence and form.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how his season unfolds.
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