Rashford 'mentality' questioned in stark comparison to Man Utd legend Rooney

20 December 2023 , 12:34

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Rashford 'mentality' questioned in stark comparison to Man Utd legend Rooney

Marcus Rashford does not have the ‘mentality to fight back’ from his poor Manchester United form like Wayne Rooney, it has been claimed.

The Red Devils’ striker has endured a poor campaign at Old Trafford this season. He has scored just twice in all competitions - that following a campaign in which he hit 30 as United won the Carabao Cup and finished in the top four.

Now, Liverpool icon John Aldridge has compared Rashford’s troubles to Rooney. He does not believe that he has the same mentality as the club’s record goalscorer to overcome his poor form.

Writing in the Irish Independent, he said: “Rashford scored 30 goals last season and, at times, looked like one of the best forwards in Europe, with his pace and power too much to handle. If anyone can find out where that player has gone this season, Ten Hag would like to hear from you.

“Every player has dips in form, but Rashford seems to go from a real high to rock bottom very quickly and that is not the sign of a truly world-class talent. Look at someone like Wayne Rooney, who came from a humble background in Liverpool and retained that hunger to succeed throughout his career.

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“I just wonder whether Rashford has the mentality to fight back when the chips are down because from what we have seen this season, he doesn’t appear to have the spirit you need to overcome adversity.”

Marcus Rashford has been benched by Erik ten Hag for the last three Premier League games (Getty Images)

What is the solution for Erik ten Hag when it comes to Marcus Rashford? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Man United boss Erik ten Hag has already attempted to find a solution behind Rashford’s stuttering form this season. He made the decision to bench the academy graduate in each of the Red Devils’ last three Premier League games, although the striker has also been suffering from an illness.

Asked whether the striker needed an arm around him or a kick up the backside, the Dutchman replied: “I think for almost any player it’s an arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the a**. It can make a difference in the management which approach you are taking, a kick in the a** or an arm around the shoulder.”

Rashford’s only two goals this season have come against Arsenal and Everton, while he has four assists to his name. His poor form has arguably come at the worst possible time as he attempts to secure a spot in the England squad for next summer’s Euros in Germany.

Rashford will be hoping to get his form back on track heading into Christmas. The Red Devils head to West Ham on Saturday afternoon ahead of a Boxing Day showdown with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Daniel Orme