Marcus Rashford feels he is being 'bullied' by ex-Premier League stars amid criticism for Man Utd displays

Rashford has come under scrutiny at United for his performances after struggling for goals and assists. The forward scored 17 times in the Premier League during the 2022-23 season but managed just seven goals in the top flight last season and is yet to open his account in the current campaign. The player's camp feel that Rashford is being unfairly targeted in the media and by former players and is effectively being bullied.

A source told the i: "When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different. Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse. The club have spent £100m on central strikers and Marcus is back out wide, as a facilitator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It isn’t his fault the chances aren’t being put away. He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream. So why can people not get off his back? Some support from somewhere might help him get back to his best. Without that, and with these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.”

Rashford's recent struggles also saw him miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. Criticism has continued into the current campaign with former United defender Gary Neville joining pundits Alan Shearer and Graeme Souness in blasting Rashford this season. Fans also raged at Erik ten Hag for starting the forward against Liverpool. Yet he has also received some support, as former striker Andy Cole has hit out at the club's fans for their treatment of Rashford.

Rashford has posted updates over the international break showing him working hard in training as he bids to get back to his best. United are back in Premier League action on Saturday at Southampton, with Ten Hag's side in need of a good result after back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Brighton.