Ian Wright has leapt to the defence of Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward was left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for Thursday's Carabao Cup clash against Spurs.
It has been an eventful month for Rashford, who recently said he is "ready for a new challenge" amid rumours over his future at his boyhood club.
The 27-year-old's comments came just days after being left out of United's matchday squad for the Manchester derby – a decision he described as "disheartening" during an interview with journalist Henry Winter.
"It's disappointing but I'm also someone as I've got older I can deal with setbacks," Rashford added. "What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I'm available."
After being left out again for United's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Spurs, a defiant Ruben Amorim insisted he was right to drop the out-of-form forward, who has scored seven goals in 24 games this season.
"I feel that I do the right thing for the team so it's never a mistake," Amorim said. "We have to make a selection. I think it wasn't a mistake because I'm always doing the best for the team in my way of seeing things."
Now, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has chipped in with his take on the situation.
Taking to an Instagram comments section, he wrote: "I got to Arsenal at 28, but you expect ME to write off someone with the ability Marcus has at 27!!!! So many of you are desperate to see these young people fail so that you can say you were right."
Wright added: "You would take 1% of the career Marcus has had."
In the latest episode of The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Wright once again defended Rashford after Gary Neville asked if the United academy graduate would improve Arsenal's forward line.
Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United. Image credit: Getty
Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United. Image credit: Getty
Here's how the conversation played out:
Carragher: “He played for Man United. He had a three or four game spell under Ten Hag and it was counter attack. He has been a very good player for Man United and a very good Premier League player but it’s not like Salah, Mane, Saka."
Wright: “I think he has that capability.”
Carragher: “He hasn’t! He’s 27. What are we waiting for?”
Wright: “27 is not a age to be writing someone off. He has the capability.”
Neville: “If I throw some players at you, the likes of Gakpo and Trossard who are playing regularly. Players of that ilk who are playing at these big clubs, is he not at that ilk?”
Wright: “I think he is somebody in a different dressing room with a different environment around him, he has the ability.
Carragher: “He has got the ability but he doesn’t run. Just run back. He doesn’t run back and help his full-back.
Wright: “He doesn’t run at Man United. He needs a different challenge.”
Wright has defended Rashford on numerous occasions. Image credit: The Overlap/YouTube
Wright has defended Rashford on numerous occasions. Image credit: The Overlap/YouTube
Thoughts on Marcus Rashford's future? Let us know in the comments.