Marcus Rashford had another difficult afternoon as Manchester United were held by Aston Villa at Villa Park, with ex-Liverpool player Jamie Carragher being a particularly harsh critic.
Marcus Rashford’s substitution against Aston Villa sparked a heated reaction from under-fire boss Erik ten Hag, with Manchester United supporters alleging he stated “he’s gone mad”.
The Red Devils attacker was hauled off in the second half of Sunday’s goalless draw with the Midlanders. It happened after he dodged a red card.
Rashford was initially scheduled for a late challenge on Matty Cash. He then tripped Leon Bailey when he attempted to dance into the United penalty area.
Despite the Villa team and supporters’ demands for a dismissal, the referee appeared unconcerned. Ten Hag, the Red Devils’ under-fire manager, then swiftly substituted the forward to avoid receiving his third red card in as many games.Rashford’s reaction has had United supporters buzzing. The forward was seen on video noticeably agitated following his exit, with some supporters saying he stated “he’s gone mad” and others alleging he shouted “it’s so bad.”
After the game, 10 Hag said that Rashford’s substitution was to keep the Red Devils from going down to 10 men. During his post-match press conference, the Dutchman stated, “Yes, that was one of the reasons we took him off.” If there was another foul, he would most likely be sent out. We cannot take another chance.”
Following the incident, ex-Liverpool player Jamie Carragher criticized Rashford, claiming that he was extremely fortunate not to have been fired. He said: “He [Rashford] is really fortunate.
“He realizes he can’t get the ball. That should be a second yellow, and Manchester United should be reduced to 10 men.” Carragher then stated, “Rashford was aware that the player [Bailey] had passed him. “He almost tripped him up.”Away from Rashford, the spotlight has now focused on Ten Hag. The Dutchman was given this week’s games to demonstrate that he was the proper man for the job, neither of which his team won.
The Red Devils have now had the poorest start in Premier League history. They have only won two league games and are 14th, six points below the top four, as they prepare for the second international.
They return to play against Brentford at Old Trafford in just under a fortnight. United will then face Fenerbahce in their bid for their first Europa League title.
