Marcus Rashford has faced criticism from fans and Wayne Rooney after Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old was included in Michael Carrick's starting XI but failed to leave his mark in the loss.
It marked Rashford's fifth start of the season across all competitions, yet the striker would have been hoping to deliver a more significant contribution in Madrid. At one stage, he seemed to permit goalscorer Pablo Barrios to advance unchallenged before Atletico were awarded a free-kick. Former Benfica winger Alejandro Grimaldo took responsibility for the set-piece, which rattled the woodwork and nearly caused problems for Senne Lammens.
Rooney's half-time assessment
The moment drew the focus of United icon Rooney, who addressed it during his half-time assessment on Amazon Prime. He said: "Again it's the detail that you need to get right, when you're under pressure you need players to step up. If you look at Marcus Rashford here where he is, and he just lets Barrios run past him and that can't happen when your team is under pressure.
"You have to stay with your runner, then it leads to the free-kick and then on another day you're two-nil down in this stadium and then it's very difficult to come back. You have to put the work in, and whether that means staying with your runner or staying with him until you can pass him on."
Fans react on social media
Furious supporters flooded social media to criticise Rashford for 'strolling' rather than tracking back, a recurring complaint that has dogged the forward on numerous occasions in the past. One United supporter pulled no punches, writing: "Marcus Rashford is so useless, I'm not gonna lie for you." Another commented: "Marcus Rashford will be the end of Carrick. Like why is guy not tracking back, very annoying fellow."
A third stated: "Marcus Rashford just walking back and watching Atletico players sprint away from him. How is Matheus Cunha dropped for that?" Another added: "The Normal Marcus Rashford is back strolling during the match." One further fan wrote: "Marcus Rashford gone back to his usual self. Just letting players walk past him." Another added: "This has been a terrible Marcus Rashford performance. He's looked lost on-ball and off-ball. His intensity off the ball has been lacking. Crazy crazy stuff."
Match details and next fixture
United are now winless in five games as they were beaten 2-0 by Diego Simeone's Atletico, with the visitors conceding within the opening minute. Alex Baena burst into the penalty area before teeing up Pablo Barrios, who drilled a low effort into the net.
Former Everton star Ademola Lookman netted Atletico's second goal after the interval, mere moments following Leny Yoro's dismissal. The France international received his marching orders for what appeared to be a foul on Lookman in what seemed a questionable challenge.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg disputed the ruling, telling Amazon Prime: "That's extremely soft. He puts his arm across, and the two players are fighting for position. I just think he goes down very, very easy.
"This has to be a clear and obvious error, and I don't believe it is a clear and obvious error from the referee. The VAR is going to recommend that it's a red card. Yes, it's central but I just think it's a coming together. There is an arm across the shoulder, but that contact is very slight. I don't believe, in my opinion, that it's a red card. But we know from this review what is going to happen."
In the Champions League, United have secured one victory and suffered one defeat as scrutiny intensifies on Michael Carrick. They face another fixture away from home next Wednesday, heading to Italy to face Como, with the match starting at 5.45pm.
