Fuming Manchester United players worried Marcus Rashford is ‘demotivated’ amidst season struggles

PREMIER LEAGUE Fuming Manchester United players worried Marcus Rashford is ‘demotivated’ amidst season struggles

Mark Kinyanjui 20:52 - 31.01.2024

A number of Rashford’s teammates have expressed  concern Rashford is demotivated following recent bad form, further expressing anger at his recent irresponsible actions.

Concerns have emerged among some Manchester United players that Marcus Rashford is demotivated amidst his struggles this season.

Over the past five months, Rashford's form has taken a nosedive, and certain segments of the dressing room believe he is going through games without purpose.

Despite being voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by United supporters in the 2022-23 season for scoring 30 goals, Rashford has managed only four goals so far this term. 

The 26-year-old recently faced disciplinary action after missing training on Friday, receiving a fine equivalent to two weeks' wages, approximately £650,000, following an alcohol-fueled trip to Belfast.

Rashford was “clearly on a mission to get drunk”, according to accounts of his night out in the Northern Irish city, and collapsed into bed fully-clothed at 3am.

It was later revealed that the 26-year-old was involved in a furious 3am bust-up with a French woman after his drinking binge - and threw her out of the room they were staying in.

In addition to his off-field incidents, Rashford found himself effectively dropped for the FA Cup win against Newport County.

His decision to skip training is alleged to have angered his team-mates with one source saying: “They couldn't believe that he would do that given the situation the club is in.” 

United manager Erik ten Hag directed Rashford to train at the club's Carrington complex after he declared himself fit on the morning of the game.

Rashford's recent outings have raised concerns among fans and teammates, especially following his ill-advised birthday party earlier in the season and his attendance being labeled "unacceptable" by Ten Hag. 

Sources at Carrington also point to Rashford's changing entourage in the last 18 months, suggesting a lack of a steady influence.

Despite signing a new five-year contract with United in July, Rashford has faced criticism from matchgoers, including audible cheers when he was removed in a loss to City and booing from a section of the Old Trafford crowd during the game against Chelsea.

There have been instances of fan discontent during the FA Cup third-round win at Wigan.

For the upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves, Ten Hag is expected to name Rashford on the bench, with Antony poised to continue in the attack after a noteworthy performance at Newport.

United is prepared to provide counseling to Marcus Rashford if the England star seeks assistance following his recent night out in Belfast.

 This marks the second occasion this season that Rashford has drawn criticism from manager Erik ten Hag for attending a nightclub, with concerns reportedly existing since the autumn of 2021.

In October, Ten Hag publicly criticized Rashford for celebrating his 26th birthday at a party shortly after a defeat to Manchester City. 

The club has expressed genuine worry about Rashford's well-being and is determined to offer both physical and mental support during what appears to be another challenging period for the player.

United considers the situation with Rashford to be of utmost seriousness, and they are committed to providing the necessary support. 

Counseling is readily available to any player facing personal or mental health challenges, and the club emphasizes that this support is extended to all players, not exclusively to Rashford.

The decision to seek professional help ultimately rests with Rashford, and  according to Mail Sport, sources have indicated that such support is considered a standard and integral part of the football club's commitment to the well-being of its players.

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