Here’s my take on Marcus Rashford.
When he first burst through (let’s be fair, he stunned everyone) I was immensely happy to see a local lad with real ‘star’ potential arrive on the scene. Good height, quick, explosive, direct, good eye for goal – I thought he’d become a machine, but I did expect him to continue working on his ascent by developing his game.
Alas, he never really developed to bring anything dynamic to the party, thus becoming predictable. However, there was that incredible season under ten Hag where, looking in, it appeared that it’d finally clicked for him, but the goals and assists from the Ole system built for his game and better handled by the new boss simply glossed over the cracks.
Then came the new contract, massive jump in earnings, media tongues being unfurled, all the things that could feed a wanton ego with supercharged fuel. Then came more of the ‘wholesome’ brand and more of his entourage wanting their dues.
Don’t get me wrong – I know he does far more than many of his peers for charitable causes and that shouldn’t be forgotten, but his ‘people’ will all be sure to keep you reminded of what a stellar guy he is because it feeds the brand. He’s not stupid, he knows how to work the fabric.
Now we get to the here and now, the Rashford dilemma cresting inevitably because he seems almost detached from interest and purpose – kind of plodding through at a stage of his career that should be his prime. Why?
Is it because the hugs and swaddling of Ole and early Erik aren’t there?
Is it because we nasty fans expect the bare minimum of effort?
Is it because he’s built this ‘wholesome’ image/ brand thing that certain corners of the media will desperately try to pick apart and he’s now having a sulk because the narrative relative to him has now returned to work and desire in football?
Is it because he just doesn’t love the game anymore?
Whatever it is, I sincerely hope he happens upon the solution, wherever he is when he finds it.
As it is, for me, it’s time for him to go. Massive wages for a greatly overhyped player, but that’s not his fault – that blame lies squarely at the doors of the managers and suits who make the decisions, the media, and the very many fans who bought into the delusion of him being the next great flying Man Utd winger.
I wish he was the player his talent promised, but it’s just too late now and the Premier League is a ruthless league that offers little room for excuse or apathy – taxi for Marcus!
Written by Ork December 18 2024 13:32:15
