Manchester United narrowly edged out Viktoria Plzen with a 2-1 scoreline in their latest UEFA Europa League matchup, but the win did little to quell the growing discontent among fans regarding Marcus Rashford’s form. The match, which took place at the Doosan Arena on December 12, saw the Red Devils struggle to find their rhythm, particularly in the offensive third.
A Disappointing Display in the Europa League
Despite securing a win that keeps them in contention in their Europa League group, Manchester United’s performance raised concerns, notably due to Marcus Rashford’s lackluster showing. The English forward, who was substituted off after 56 minutes, failed to make a significant impact—recording no shots, creating no chances, and losing two duels.
Rashford’s form has been a talking point all season. With just seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, his performance against Plzen was a continuation of a worrying trend. The match saw Manchester United manage an xG (expected goals) of just 0.20 in the first half and go behind due to a mishandling by goalkeeper Andre Onana, which led to Matej Vydra scoring for Plzen.
Fan Reactions: Frustration and Discontent
The frustration from fans has been palpable. One pointed comment from a fan on social media read, “We might as well sell Rashford in the January transfer window and invest in our attack ASAP cause what’s the point in keeping him until the end of the season? For vibes? Guy plays like he’s got drunk goggles on.” This sentiment was echoed by another fan’s blunt critique, “I love you Rashford but we can’t keep defending this trash. You’re currently s**t.”
Comments continued to pour in as fans expressed their disappointment, with remarks highlighting Rashford’s apparent lack of desire and threat on the field. “Rashford looks like someone who doesn’t want to be there,” and “Rashford is a major, major problem in this team now,” were among the notable reactions that underlined the fans’ waning patience.
A Glimmer of Hope: Rasmus Hojlund’s Impact
The game did have a silver lining in the form of Rasmus Hojlund, who came on for Rashford and turned the game around with a brace. His goals in the 62nd and 88th minutes not only secured the win for Manchester United but also showcased the potential impact a determined striker can have, highlighting what many fans feel Rashford currently lacks.
As Manchester United continues their campaign in the Europa League and domestic competitions, the scrutiny on Rashford is likely to intensify unless he can rediscover his form. Meanwhile, United’s management faces the tough decision of whether to heed the calls from fans to refresh their attacking options as they aim to climb higher than their current fifth place in the group standings.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.