FC Viktoria Plzen v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
FC Viktoria Plzen v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford's critics on social media. The England international's career at Old Trafford is hanging by a thread after he failed to make his team's matchday squads in their previous two encounters across competitions.
So far this season, Rashford has made 24 appearances for the Red Devils, bagging seven goals and three assists. Claiming that the 27-year-old can find his feet once more and succeed in the future, Wright wrote on Instagram (via ESPN):
"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! You would take one per cent of the career Marcus has had!"
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Wright's Sky Sports colleague Roy Keane also commented on the situation. The former Manchester United midfielder believes that the best way to save Rashford's career is to move away from his current team. Speaking on the Overlap, he said (via The Sun):
"My only warning for players like that - if you lose that hunger, it’s hard to get it back. He might get it back with a change of club and scenery, but I don’t think he’ll get the hunger back at United."
Rashford came up the ranks at Manchester United and has gone on to make 426 senior appearances for the club, bagging 138 goals and 63 assists. He's contracted with the Red Devils till the summer of 2028.
Mikel Arteta responds to Marcus Rashford links with Arsenal
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford
After publicly stating that he's looking for a new challenge, Marcus Rashford is being linked with a move away from Manchester United. Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Saudi Pro League sides are considered potential destinations for the attacker.
Ahead of the Gunners' clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday (December 21), Mikel Arteta was asked about these rumors. Brushing aside the query, the Spanish tactician said (via Metro):
"No, and you know that I’m not going to talk about players from other clubs."
Arsenal are lacking a sure-shot starter on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard competing for minutes in this position. While the place remains up for grabs, it is unlikely that Rashford will become the first choice if he is to move to the Emirates.
Alternatively, he could be used in the striker's role, where the Gunners currently deploy Kai Havertz, who isn't an out-and-out number nine.