Marcus Rashford is keen to explore a new challenge and one former Manchester United star reckons the time is right for player who has not shown enough energy for Ruben Amorim's gameplan
Marcus Rashford playing for Manchester United in December 2024
Marcus Rashford has not been in Ruben Amorim's past three squads. (
Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Jaap Stam can understand why Marcus Rashford is considering a move away from Manchester United but the former defender has called out the forward for the lack of desire he is showing on the pitch.
Rashford last week said he feels the time is right for a new challenge and he has not been part of head coach Ruben Amorim’s past three matchday squads.
But the 27-year-old has been struggling to produce the goods regularly for more than 12 months and he is not currently being considered for England selection because of his drop in form.
And while Stam has some sympathy for Rashford, he thinks a lack of commitment when on the pitch has been clear. “I can understand why Marcus Rashford is ready for a new challenge,” Stam told SportsLens. “I was in certain situations at clubs in which you are running out of contract or have had two years there and you think it might be time for something new, a new environment.
“Different people in a different country might help you, help boost your career. He has been at the club a long time and in my opinion he hasn’t been able to show his ability on a consistent level for many years, it hasn’t been enough and for that reason I’d like him to stay and find that consistency.
“I think saying you want to leave is the easy way out because it’s been a tough period and he’s faced a lot of criticism for his performances, but we haven’t seen enough fight on the pitch.
“I think if he was showing that then there would be a different mood towards him and more credit being paid to him. Maybe it would be good for both him and the club for him to move on, but I would’ve liked to have seen him give everything for the club.”
Stam added that he believes Rashford appears “disinterested” when playing and Amorim has done the right thing by dropping him and Alejandro Garnacho to prove he is more than ready to make unpopular decisions if he feels it will benefit the team.
“I don't believe [Rashford] is like that [disinterested] but for some reason he's not performing up to the standards that we expect him to be. For a manager coming in and wanting to play a very intense game with his team, you need players who are in good shape, who are confident, or at least are willing to work very hard for the team.
Ruben Amorim has been prepared to make the big calls. (
Image:
Getty Images)
“If you, as a manager, see that certain players are not capable of doing so, they're not up to the intensity then you need to make harsh decisions. It's good from Ruben Amorim and I really like that he made that decision.
“It's a good sign to the other players as well that you need to step up, that you need to show your ability or at least you need to work very hard. I think that's what the fans want to see as well. You need to work very hard.
“Sometimes you can play badly, we have all done that in the past as well. But the manager needs to be there and he needs to take measures into his own hands as well and show it to the team that he is the boss and he is in charge.
“He has sent out a message that if the players are not doing what he wants them to do, whether they are capable or not, that they won’t be involved. It’s a great sign.”
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