Work hard, play hard! Marcus Rashford hits the gym a day after stealing the show at Knicks NBA Cup game in New York

Rashford was axed from the England squad by Lee Carsley and the 27-year-old headed to New York to watch the New York Knicks face off against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Cup. He enjoyed a premium courtside seat at the iconic Madison Square Garden for the thrilling match, which saw the Knicks secure a dramatic 124-122 victory over their cross-town rivals. Following the game, the United forward received a special memento: a game-worn jersey from Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who even added a personal touch by signing it for Rashford.

However, not all Manchester United supporters were pleased with his trip. Rashford has faced criticism this season for underwhelming performances on the pitch, and his presence at the NBA game drew ire from sections of the fanbase, as they called for the forward to prioritise improving his form for United rather than watching basketball.

Perhaps in response to the backlash, Rashford took to Instagram to share an image of himself in a gym, seemingly working hard to regain focus and fitness. The move appeared to be an attempt at damage control, signalling his commitment to preparing for the challenges ahead with Manchester United.

@marcusrashford Instagram

The Red Devils are set to resume their Premier League campaign on November 24 against newly promoted Ipswich Town. The match will mark a fresh start for United under the leadership of new manager Ruben Amorim, who recently signed a contract running until 2027. Fans will be watching closely to see how Rashford performs in the upcoming fixture, hoping that the star forward can turn criticism into motivation and deliver on the pitch.