Manchester United‘s Marcus Rashford found himself at the centre of criticism following his performance against Luton Town on Sunday, as footage of his ‘pressing’ went viral on social media platforms.
Despite securing a narrow 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road, individual performances, including Rashford’s, raised questions about United’s ability to compete with teams above them in the standings.
Poor Rashford Performance Captures Attention
One particular moment captured on social media showcased Rashford’s attempt to thwart Luton’s Ross Barkley’s progression up the field late in the game.
However, Rashford’s pressing strategy appeared lacklustre, as he maintained a considerable distance from Barkley without effectively challenging for possession. Barkley was able to manoeuvre comfortably around Rashford, much to the dismay of United supporters.
The video clip sparked a wave of criticism from fans, with many expressing disappointment in Rashford’s performance. Some users humorously suggested that they would trade Rashford for trivial items like strawberry bonbons or Jaffa cakes, while others lamented the seriousness of Rashford’s pressing tactics.
Despite the spotlight on Rashford’s performance, it was Rasmus Hojlund who stole the show at Kenilworth Road. The Danish midfielder’s early goal scored within 40 seconds of kickoff, set the tone for United’s victory. Hojlund’s subsequent chested goal, described as “outrageous” by observers, further cemented his impact on the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Hojlund confirmed his intention behind the remarkable goal, emphasizing his dedication to training such skills.
His early goal also secured him a Premier League record as the youngest player to score in six consecutive league games, eclipsing the previous record held by Joe Willock.
As Manchester United prepare to host Fulham in their next Premier League fixture, questions linger over Rashford’s performance and the team’s overall form. With scrutiny mounting, United will be under pressure to address their shortcomings as they aim to climb the league standings.