Like anyone, I can be guilty of putting two and two together and getting the sum total of five—exactly what happened when I saw West Ham being linked with Marcus Rashford.
Claret & Hugh had been informed by a top source at the London Stadium that the Hammers were on the lookout for a top-class centre-forward. Whilst I don’t personally consider Rashford to fall within that category, I was certainly concerned that West Ham might view him as top class.
It would probably be a little harsh to suggest that Rashford is a player who never reached his potential, but it would certainly be accurate to say that he never maintained it.
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The Manchester United forward undoubtedly came out of the COVID period with significant credit for leading a campaign to ensure governments fed poor and malnourished children. Unfortunately for Rashford, that same period seemed to coincide with an increase in his social media presence. Much like his mate and former Hammer Jesse Lingard, Rashford appeared to have priorities beyond football.
Big mates: Lingard & Rashford
The truth is, the player has been on the decline for some time. His statement earlier this week—that his best is still to come—was a hard prediction to believe. Unfortunately, the Manchester United star looks like a player whose best years are behind him, despite being at an age that should mark his peak.
I understand it hasn’t been easy for any player at Old Trafford in recent years, but the fact remains that Rashford has failed over a prolonged period, under a succession of different coaches and regimes.
There is now a perception that Rashford is difficult to manage and prefers red carpet events to football matches. That may or may not be true, but there’s enough doubt in people’s minds to deter anyone from paying the £60 million transfer fee Manchester United are asking.
There was a time when Rashford was mentioned in the same breath as Kylian Mbappé, but those days are long gone. If he continues on this current path, he’s more likely to end up closer to Dele Alli—and I’m glad West Ham are steering clear