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Marcus Rashford netted in Manchester United's 3-0 victory away at Southampton to bring an end to a lengthy goal drought. The English forward had been without a goal for 189 days until striking home the visitors' second at St Mary's on Saturday (September 14).
The 26-year-old has been under intense scrutiny amid his lack of form which in turn has led to question marks over his starting role. Erik ten Hag placed his faith in the attacker for the fourth consecutive game and he opened his account for the season.
Amad Diallo played the ball to Rashford on the edge of the box. He managed to find the low left-hand corner of Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's goal (41').
It was a relief for Ten Hag as Manchester United had started concerningly. The Saints controlled proceedings up until the half-hour mark. Cameron Archer had a penalty saved by Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana (33').
The visitors took the lead when Bruno Fernandes played an exquisite cross into Matthijs de Ligt's path. The Dutch defender netted his first goal in United colors to put a disappointing international break behind him (35').
Alejandro Garnacho put the icing on the cake by finishing off an excellent attacking move (95'). It was the perfect response to a 3-0 loss to Liverpool last time out.
Rashford showed vast improvement from the first three games of the season and now has a goal contribution to his name. The last goal he'd scored before today was against Liverpool in the famous 4-3 (a.e.t) victory in the FA Cup quarterfinals last season (March 17).
Source close to Rashford claims the Manchester United star feels 'bullied' by pundits and club legends
Rashford's struggles have led to widespread criticism from many pundits and Manchester United icons. The likes of Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have all been critical of the 60-cap England international.
i news reports that a source close to the Englishman says he feels he's been 'bullied'. They add:
"When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different... The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse."
Rashford enjoyed the best season of his career in the 2022-23 campaign with a tally of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 games across competitions. This was his best output since arriving on the senior stage nearly a decade ago.
However, the Manchester United academy graduate struggled last season with eight goals and six assists in 43 games across competitions. His downturn in form has been cause for concern.
