Marcus Rashford has been warned he needs to “turn up” for Manchester United next season, or risk putting his future at the club in doubt.
Rashford endured a torrid campaign at Old Trafford last season. The 24-year-old scored just five goals in 32 appearances – a far cry from previous seasons, having scored 43 goals over the previous two years.
The academy graduate’s alarming drop in form saw him drop down the pecking order at United, with Jadon Sancho claiming his usual spot on the left while Anthony Elanga overtook him after enjoying a breakthrough under interim boss Ralf Rangnick. Rashford has also lost his place in the England squad in recent months, putting his involvement at this year’s World Cup in serious doubt.
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Having found himself out of favour with both club and country, Rashford has been left considering his future at United. His deal at Old Trafford expires next year, although the club do have the option of an extra year.
Whether they choose to take up that option could be dependent on how Rashford performs under Erik ten Hag next season. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has backed the England international to come good again, although he admits he does have his worries.
“Marcus Rashford needs to turn up this season for Manchester United,” Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.
“Everything has been plain sailing for him up until recently but his confidence has gone and it's been hard for him. I'd like to think he'll be back next season but if he can't get his confidence back then you start worrying.
“All the work he did for good causes off the pitch probably took a toll on him mentally as well. But I'd expect him to bounce back. The new manager might suit him. I'm sure Erik ten Hag wants to play a certain way. He'll want United to play like Ajax. To press and move the ball quickly.
“But it's going to be hard for a team with Cristiano Ronaldo in it to be a high-intensity pressing team. He's not going to be chasing down every ball is he? If the manager gets them in the top four I think he's done a great job. I really do. He needs to consolidate and just get them into the Champions League. United fans shouldn't expect much more.”
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