Marcus Rashford has confronted criticism from some Manchester United followers after being seen courtside at a New York Knicks basketball sport in the course of the worldwide break.
Whereas many supporters have been understanding of the ahead’s option to take a break, others voiced their frustration and disappointment.
Rashford, who was not included within the newest England squad, used the time to journey to america, the place he attended the Knicks’ slender 124-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Sq. Backyard. The 27-year-old United striker had a major seat for the match and acquired a signed game-worn jersey from Knicks’ level guard Jalen Brunson.
Although many followers remained unconcerned by Rashford’s American outing, a vocal section criticized the timing, particularly given Manchester United’s current appointment of latest supervisor Ruben Amorim. One fan, @Utd_Forever7, a verified account with over 119,000 followers, was notably blunt:
“Truthfully, I really feel like this man has misplaced all curiosity in soccer within the final 20 months,” they tweeted. “MUFC have a brand new coach, and everybody is worked up and able to impress him in coaching. However you’ve a wage of £350k per week and fly to New York simply to look at a basketball sport as a substitute of bettering on coaching!?
“Will we see gamers like Salah, Saka, or Haaland, who’re essential for his or her groups, do one thing like this mid-season? NO. I need to see Rashford succeed greater than anybody as a result of he’s born and bred in RED, however we are going to by no means see that like this. His inconsistency on the pitch and actions like this can forestall him from attaining something main with our squad. NEVER!”
Critics spotlight Rashford’s patchy type this season, with just one purpose and one help in 11 Premier League video games. Nonetheless, many followers defended him, declaring the stress skilled athletes face and suggesting {that a} temporary getaway could be a constructive psychological reset.
One supporter, @47kasz, tweeted: “He can’t catch a break. He’s the media’s scapegoat. I hate that Man Utd followers take part treating him this manner.” One other, @UtdFaithfuls, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Precisely, it’s simply unhappy being always focused like this, particularly by your personal followers.”
With Manchester United now transitioning to a brand new chapter below Ruben Amorim, Rashford is anticipated to play an important position within the membership’s future. Nonetheless, sustaining consistency and conserving centered will probably be key to fulfilling that potential. Followers stay divided over whether or not this journey was a wanted break or an unwelcome distraction throughout a pivotal time for the membership.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports activities at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content material Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports activities reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and international sports activities panorama and expertise in delivering complete and insightful sports activities content material.