Am tired of the club.i get many insults even after trying my best. i scored a goal in the derby and the fans didnt acknowledge it. am not myself anymore and i want to leave, marcus rashford speaks.

The English player momentarily quieted the Etihad Stadium on Sunday but was unable to continue and fulfill his redemption storyline.

“If you support me, great.” “If you doubt me, that’s even more advantageous.” Marcus Rashford demonstrated his strong words in The Players’ Tribune by scoring a remarkable 25-yard goal against Manchester City in the eighth minute of Sunday’s derby. The shot hit the crossbar and went into Ederson’s net, causing excitement among the away fans at the Etihad Stadium.

Rashford scored one of his best career goals and celebrated by pointing to his temple, symbolizing that he values his mental strength over his physical abilities. One exceptional event does not demonstrate psychological maturity, nor does it compensate for a player’s underwhelming performance in the 2023–24 season, suggesting that they may have already reached their peak at 26 years old.

City secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory, and Rashford was replaced 15 minutes before the end of the match due to a disappointing performance. His list of skeptics has grown, and if he continues to perform poorly, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS should consider removing his £350,000-per-week salary from United’s expenses in the summer.

Ten minutes after scoring at the Etihad, Rashford had a great opportunity to advance towards the goal after receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes. However, his clumsy first touch enabled Kyle Walker to quickly return and eliminate the threat. Shortly after, Fernandes provided Rashford with another opportunity, this time with a long cross, but the England player mistimed his volley and fell to the ground.

Rashford was observed gesturing to the sidelines in discomfort. Despite feeling healthy enough to keep playing, his effectiveness on the field significantly decreased. In the second half, he struggled to maintain his balance and lost a foot sprint to Walker before Foden scored City’s equalizer. The referee did not acknowledge his appeals for a potential infraction.

Erik ten Hag substituted Rashford for Antony, highlighting the poor performance of the former academy hero while United struggled to hold on.

Ten Hag acknowledged that Rashford was not performing at full capacity after the game, emphasizing that he contributed fully to the team effort. However, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock provided a more precise evaluation in the Sky Sports News studio. “He appeared disinterested once more,” Warnock stated. He scored his goal and seemed to feel that he had fulfilled his role. The player lacked the ability to track back, work hard, and maintain possession.

Rashford has scored only six goals in 33 matches for Manchester United this season and has been disciplined twice for misconduct. His attitude has been questioned, but instead of accepting the criticism, he chose to write an open letter titled ‘Who I truly am’.

Rashford stated in his article for The Players’ Tribune that he will speak up if anyone doubts his dedication to United. It feels as though someone is challenging my core identity and all my beliefs as a man. This is my hometown. I have been a member of this club since my childhood. As a child, my family declined a significant amount of money that could have changed our lives so that I could wear this badge.

The situation was mainly seen as public relations material and even elicited a direct and critical reply from Roy Keane, who has been a strong advocate for Rashford for a long time. The United legend expressed discontent upon hearing about the sacrifices and financial opportunities that he has declined following the City loss, as reported on Sky Sports. Many loyal fans attending games consistently are expressing a common sentiment, suggesting that Marcus should contemplate and acknowledge instances where he may not be effectively pressuring opponents. Occasionally, it is necessary to examine oneself more closely.

Rashford is not entitled to preferential treatment because of his extended tenure at the club. The best way to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to United is by consistently performing well on the field every week. Observers and experts might express their worries about his apathetic body language and failure to meet the minimum standards of quality and effort at Old Trafford.

Rashford’s potential at United seems unlikely to be realized at this stage. He has been playing for United at the senior level for over eight years since he was a teenager, but he has not demonstrated the required consistency to reach the status of a truly world-class player, unlike City’s 23-year-old standout, Foden.

Both individuals may compete for an attacking position in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team, but this decision is unlikely to cause the England leader any concern. Foden should be included in the starting XI for his national team based on his current performance, and he may potentially contend for the Ballon d’Or if he maintains his form until May—this is not an exaggeration.

City boasts exceptional players in several positions, such as Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri. However, Foden has had the standout performance this season, and United could not counter his brilliance during the weekend. Guardiola proclaimed him the top player in the Premier League when asked about his impressive performance. “He was always skilled, but now he has matured and has a better understanding of the game, particularly in terms of defense.” He is incredible.

The disparity in skill level between Rashford and Foden is not solely down to technique or overall football acumen. Foden possesses two innate qualities that are unteachable: unyielding self-confidence and a profound competitive spirit.

His effort was evident to everyone when he scored his second goal versus United, as he made a great effort to receive a pass from Julian Alvarez in the penalty area and then neatly finished past Andre Onana. Rashford’s inability to produce goals is due to his lack of determination, making him an unreliable player for Ten Hag to count on to have a significant influence on the Red Devils.

Foden never indulges in self-pity, a trait characteristic of exceptional players. He has had challenges at City but has just become a consistent starter under Guardiola in the past two seasons, maintaining a high level of work ethic throughout.

Rashford believes he has been unfairly singled out by the media. Referencing his drinking incident in Belfast in January, which led to him being excluded from a game against Newport County by Ten Hag, the United forward stated in his Tribune essay: “It should not solely revolve around me as a 26-year-old man enjoying a night out or receiving a parking ticket.” The focus should be on the cost of my car, estimating my weekly salary, my jewelry, or even my tattoos. I need to reflect on my values and contemplate my family and my future in football. There is a unique tone to it that is not present in all football players.

Rashford said that the witch hunt originated during the COVID-19 outbreak, a time when he advocated for free school meals for children. “For some reason, that appeared to irritate specific individuals,” he continued. It appears that they have been anticipating a moment of vulnerability from me so they may criticize and say, ‘See?’ Observe his true identity.

Feigning victimhood is a convenient excuse for his minimal impact on United’s performance on the field for the last eight months. Rashford, one of five siblings, was reared by a single mother working a minimum-wage job in Wythenshawe, Manchester. He achieved success through his talent and later supported the communities he grew up in after reaching the top.

While excellent, it does not excuse him from fulfilling the responsibilities he is highly compensated for at United. If he is exerting himself excessively and actively addressing the flaws in his performance, criticism would be unwarranted. Seeking pity will not deter negative comments until he recognizes his mistakes.

Rashford acknowledged that the club has been undergoing a period of change in recent seasons and requested more compassion from his critics. “When we are victorious, you are the most exceptional fans globally, and that is indisputable.” We require an increased presence of traditional, pleasant vibes within the club. I am familiar with the impact that such an atmosphere can have, as it sustained me during my most challenging times.

Rashford emphasized that United would return to their rightful position, although this may be challenging if he remains a regular starter in the team. Why should the supporters display “positive energy” when he and the team are not adhering to the club’s core values? If they do not request additional information, who else will?

A more positive ambiance at Old Trafford would not have prevented the eight defeats Manchester United had at home during the 2023–24 season, nor would it have motivated Rashford to put in greater effort. Rashford’s performance has declined significantly since achieving a career-high of 30 goals in Ten Hag’s first season, indicating that he excels only in favorable circumstances.

He has evaded responsibility during the Red Devils’ alarming slide and continues to shift the blame. Many United players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era have displayed a poor mindset that needs to be eliminated completely in order to narrow the gap with City.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority share of United has sparked optimism among a fanbase hungry for success, with significant alterations planned for the upcoming summer. Ten Hag will likely be the first to leave, as he failed to make a positive first impression during a challenging week.

United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been nearly dashed after losing consecutively to Fulham and City. Even winning the FA Cup would not save their struggling Dutch coach. If he leaves, Rashford would lose his main supporter, the one who has justified his poor performances by consistently making excuses for him.

United is expected to undergo a significant squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window, requiring sales to finance the acquisition of new players. The club may sell Rashford if a suitable offer is made, and Paris Saint-Germain is once again showing interest in signing him.

To avoid increased curiosity about his future, he must overhaul his current mindset. Rashford can demonstrate his commitment to the club by improving his performance, or he can risk becoming trapped in a pattern of self-pity that could result in a disappointing conclusion to his time at United.

Rashford may behave childishly, but he is no longer a child. His legacy may be determined by the choices he makes in the next few months.