Marcus Rashford’s miserable season has suffered another blow, with Manchester United legend Steve Bruce aiming a furious rant at the under-fire striker.
The Red Devils suffered their 10th defeat of the season across all competitions on Saturday night when they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute strike was enough to see off a United side that were second best for the entirety of the clash with a performance that will undoubtedly concern Erik ten Hag.
Rashford was one of the most anonymous United players and was withdrawn just after the hour mark, before looking particularly frustrated as he watched on from the bench.
The England international has just two goals to his name so far this term and has now been offered some words of wisdom from ex-Red Devil Bruce.
“The body language of some of the players doesn’t look right,’ Bruce told Stadium Astro. “We’ve been talking now and the first one you look at is why all of a sudden Marcus Rashford, after how good he was, how good he played for England a few weeks ago, [has gone] to what you see now.
“Is he not happy playing on the right, what is wrong? We aren’t going to know what has happened behind the scenes if anything has happened. When he comes off, he shows that petulance, he is not happy. I think he needs to have a look at himself, to start with.
“It’s not just him, you look through the nucleus of the side and they have been blown away by Newcastle. That is the worry.”
Bruce’s comments come amid speculation over Rashford’s long-term United future after Ten Hag confirmed he will hold talks with the 26-year-old surrounding his form. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the United boss visibly frustrated and gave a blunt response when asked about Rashford’s performance.
“I talk with him about that, not with the media,” he said. Adding his opinion on the game overall, Ten Hag claimed: “We had a tough first half and said at half-time we were pleased to be in the game… We will talk tomorrow with the team about it. We go back, we will talk about this and move in to Wednesday.”
Up next for the Red Devils is the visit of Chelsea and Ten Hag knows anything less than a win will significantly dent United’s hopes of a top-four finish this term as the gap starts to grow between the Champions League qualification places and the chasing pack.