Graeme Souness has judged Marcus Rashford's career to have “stood still” since breaking through into the Manchester United first team, suggesting the Reds should have started Cristiano Ronaldo against Manchester City instead.
Rashford returned from a foot injury that kept him out of the international break to start the 6-3 derby. He failed to make an impact and was replaced on 59 minutes by Anthony Martial, who scored two on his first appearance since recovering from an Achilles problem.
Ronaldo was left on the bench, it very much apparent that he is Erik ten Hag’s third-choice striker. The 37-year-old had started United’s two Europa League ties before the international break, opening his account for the season against Sheriff last time out.
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Explaining his decision not to bring on Ronaldo post-match, Ten Hag said: "I wouldn't bring him in out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career.”
He added: “The other thing was the advantage I could bring Anthony Martial, he needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that." Souness believes Ten Hag made the wrong call, claiming Rashford’s career development had not warranted his selection ahead of Ronaldo.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Time is not your friend in football. You have to be winning games today. It’s not about waiting for Marcus Rashford to become the player that most people think he can be.
“It’s not about giving Martial, because of his age, a place in the team in front of Ronaldo. It’s about today. I would have played Ronaldo [from the start].”
He added: “Marcus Rashford, when he got into the team as a young player you’re thinking he’s the real deal. He’s stood still. For all his shortcomings, Ronaldo, I would have played him in front of Rashford.”
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