Gary Neville has raised concerns about the professionalism of Manchester United players Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, who both took international trips during the break.
Rashford, once again overlooked by England manager Lee Carsley for the Nations League fixtures, chose to travel to the United States to enjoy an NBA game between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Casemiro, on the other hand, took his family to Disney World in Orlando.
Both players shared their experiences on social media, but Neville, a former United star, questioned whether these decisions were in the best interest of their professional commitments.
The Importance of Resting Wisely
Neville expressed disappointment, particularly with Casemiro’s choice to travel so far during an important transition period at United, with Ruben Amorim now in charge.
The pundit emphasized that professional athletes should be mindful of how their bodies are affected by long flights and significant time zone changes.
“Taking care of your body is crucial,” Neville said.
“You have to consider the effects of long flights, jet lag, and whether this will impact your preparation for the next training session.”
He added that, while the mental break could be beneficial, such a trip may not be the best option when it comes to staying sharp for the season ahead.
Is the Trip Worth the Cost?
Neville also noted that, given United’s recent struggles and the arrival of a new manager, this wasn’t the ideal way for Rashford and Casemiro to recharge.
He pointed out that a 12-hour flight and an 8-hour time difference could result in significant jet lag, potentially affecting their performance when they return.
“If you’re playing poorly and your team is underperforming, is flying across the Atlantic for a few days really the best way to recover?” Neville questioned.
“This trip doesn’t seem like a proper way to reset.”
Ian Wright Defends the Players’ Choice
Not everyone agrees with Neville’s perspective, though.
Fellow pundit Ian Wright defended Rashford and Casemiro’s decisions, stating that it’s perfectly fine to take a break during time off.
“If it’s my time off, I’d do it,” Wright commented.
“A short trip like that doesn’t usually cause too many problems with jet lag.”
He also pointed out that it’s important for players to enjoy their downtime, especially if they’re only away for a few days.
New Manager, New Challenges
As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming match under Ruben Amorim’s leadership, the team’s performance remains under scrutiny.
United has improved slightly since Erik ten Hag’s departure, climbing one spot in the Premier League standings.
However, with the club’s struggles evident this season, Amorim will need a strong start to prove his capabilities.
Players like Rashford and Casemiro, despite their experience, may not be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup, especially given their recent form and the pressure on the team to perform.
The Pressure on Rashford and Casemiro
Rashford, once a key figure for both Manchester United and England, has struggled with his form in recent seasons.
His goal-scoring tally has sharply dropped, and he has only scored once in the Premier League this term.
Despite his history with the club, he was dropped from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, reflecting his decline in form.
Similarly, Casemiro, who was lauded during his first season at United, has faced criticism for his performances.
While he has started in most Premier League games this season, his overall impact has not been as strong as expected.
What Does the Future Hold?
With both players underperforming, their futures at Manchester United are uncertain, and Amorim will likely weigh their contributions carefully.
For now, the focus remains on their fitness and readiness to perform as United looks to improve under new management.
The team’s next match will be a crucial test, especially as United tries to bounce back from its recent struggles.
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