Graeme Souness has expressed serious concerns about Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, suggesting the 26-year-old risks squandering his potential and becoming one of English football’s biggest disappointments.
Rashford’s Struggles with Consistency
Despite a stellar previous season, where Rashford netted 30 goals, he has struggled for consistency this campaign. With only eight goals in 42 matches across all competitions, his form has waned significantly. Off-field issues, such as his partying in Belfast followed by calling in sick for training, have further strained his relationship with United fans.
Rashford’s inconsistent performance has led to debates about his place in England’s squad for Euro 2024, despite his recent strong showings in a Three Lions shirt. Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has been particularly vocal, questioning why senior figures at Manchester United have not intervened to guide Rashford back on track.
Lack of Leadership at United
Speaking on talkSPORT’s “Simon & Souness,” Souness remarked, “It is more difficult to be a young starlet if you’re at Man United than anywhere else. They get far too much acclaim, adulation, money, recognition – everything you want – they get far more at Man United than any other football club. And I think that is the case when I was a player, and it’s still the case.”
Souness also highlighted the absence of strong leadership, drawing a comparison with how Sir Alex Ferguson managed Ryan Giggs. “There’s been no leadership from the management to him [Rashford]. If you think of Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] with Ryan Giggs and the way he dealt with it and he became an absolute world superstar. Who are the senior players going, ‘Marcus, this is the way we do it.'”
Potential Wasted
Souness warned that Rashford could end his career as “one of the great disappointments in the history of the English game, with all the ability he possesses.” He praised Rashford’s skills but pointed out his lack of clinical finishing. “I think he has everything, the only thing you would say he is missing is he’s not a clinical finisher. But he’s had a couple of good years, he can drop a shoulder and he’s got electric pace. He got 30 goals last year and he’s got seven [Premier League] goals now, I’m not describing a top player.”
Souness also suggested that Manchester United should consider selling Rashford, who is under contract until 2028. “He’s from Manchester, it’s his team, but for his improvement, I think he should leave.” Although Paris Saint-Germain previously showed interest, talkSPORT understands that this is no longert he case.
