Marcus Rashford has spoken about Manchester United’s difficult start to the 2023/24 season.
The Reds have managed just two wins from their first five league games of the season and they will be aiming to start building momentum again with a win over Burnley tonight.
It doesn’t help that we go into the game on the back of a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Erik ten Hag’s side must start showing resilience again but what we’ve seen so far this season hasn’t been good enough.
The only way to turn things around is by winning football matches and tonight is a good chance to do that.
“I think it’s definitely not been the start that we would have hoped for in pre-season,” Rashford told Premier League Productions (via ManUtd.com) ahead of United’s trip to Turf Moor.
“I think that’s clear for everyone. We know football is a results-based sport and it always has been. So, we need to get the results in and I’m pretty sure that with the squad that we have, with the staff behind us, once we do get that first hard-fought result, we’ll kick on. It’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation. We were in this situation this time last year, then we had that game against Liverpool [and from then] I don’t think we lost at home [in the Premier League] until the Brighton game just gone. So we know what the [next] win can do for us as a team and then it’s up to the players to show consistency and you know, that’s the bit that you can say we’ve lacked. In terms of last year, we were very consistent at home, so inconsistent away from home. But we need to find a good balance.”
Rashford has faced criticism in the lead up to the game by former United defender Paul Parker, who has questioned the England international’s attitude. However, Rashford claims he has ignored all of the stuff that has been written about him and his teammates after the midweek defeat against Bayern Munich.
“I don’t really know. I don’t read it because… listen, the people that are writing or speaking about it, they can’t help me. It’s the people in this building that can help me and help the team. So I’ve not actually heard any of it. I know it’s coming. Don’t get me wrong. I know when we lose one game, it’s coming. So, you know that losing three games is definitely going to bring scrutiny. But, you know, for me and for the rest of the players, it’s about standing up to it. We’re not here to shy away from responsibilities. We’re here to show ourselves and show what we can give to help the team. And like I said, different games require different things. So you might have to do a different type of performance in some games and you might not be happy about it, but you put the team first. And that’s the position that we’re in now and that’s where we need to get out of. So we’re going to do everything that’s asked of us and try to do everything we can to win the next game.”
We would like nothing more than to see Rashford score the opener at Turf Moor and for United to take all three points. I don’t care how ugly it needs to get.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
