Former Manchester United player Lee Sharpe has advised Marcus Rashford to consider leaving Old Trafford if he is not fully committed to Erik ten Hag and his methods. Rashford, who came through the club’s academy, was fined two weeks’ wages – approximately £650,000 ($826,650) – after failing to attend training before Manchester United’s FA Cup Fourth Round game against Newport County. It was reported that Rashford had spent 12 hours partying in Belfast the night before and was not in a fit state to train.
Ten Hag addressed the incident in a press conference, stating that Rashford had taken responsibility for his actions and that the matter was now resolved. Rashford was subsequently included in Ten Hag’s starting lineup for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 1 and repaid his coach’s faith by scoring in a 4-3 victory. Although he did not score in United’s 3-0 win over West Ham United on Matchday 23 of the Premier League, his performance was commendable.
However, Sharpe remains unconvinced of Rashford’s level of commitment compared to last season. The former winger, who won the Premier League three times, believes that if Rashford is not fully supportive of the team and Ten Hag, he should consider leaving. In an interview with Lucky Block, Sharpe said:
“We are aware that Rashford often points to his head when celebrating. I believe that is where we can find all the answers – does he truly love the club and have a strong desire to play for them? He needs to be willing to support his team and strive to reach the same levels as last season. If he is not, then perhaps his focus has shifted. Could he be unhappy with the manager or the way the club is being managed?”
Sharpe added:
“There might be something internally that we are not aware of, which is causing him to be slightly less content at the club. In that case, he should consider leaving and being replaced by someone who is fully committed to the team and the manager. Only Marcus Rashford can truly answer that question.”
With Cristiano Ronaldo stepping back from the spotlight, Rashford emerged as Manchester United’s top forward last season. He played 35 Premier League games, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists. Additionally, he scored six goals in nine Europa League matches. However, this season, his performance has been far from impressive. In 22 Premier League games, he has only scored five goals and provided three assists. He has also failed to score in four Champions League matches. Overall, Rashford has played 28 games for United this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists.
As a senior player, Rashford has a responsibility to lead by example and motivate younger players to improve. However, he has not fulfilled this role so far. If Manchester United is to finish the season strongly, they will need Rashford, who wears the number 10 shirt, to fully commit and perform at his best. It will be interesting to see if Rashford rises to the occasion in the upcoming weeks.