Man Utd legend Roy Keane thinks Harry Maguire’s team-mates are “frightened to death” to push up the pitch as their former captain worries them.
The Red Devils have had some positive results in recent weeks with Erik ten Hag’s side winning seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.

That has seen them move into the FA Cup quarter-finals and up to sixth in the Premier League, although they are still eight points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Jamie Carragher this week criticised Ten Hag’s tactics during their 2-1 defeat to Fulham and insistent that Man Utd were able to press the opposition with such a deep defensive line.
And fellow pundit Keane reckons Man Utd sit so deep because they are worried about leaving space in behind Maguire for other teams to expose.
“They aren’t pressing up,” Keane told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football show.
READ MORE: Rashford’s Manchester United actions must speak far louder than his thousands of empty words
“I don’t want to be just pinning it on [Harry] Maguire, but there’s always that worry with Maguire coming up and squeezing the pitch, like all the other top teams are doing.
“There’s that worry with him all the time – that’s where there is gaps. They are frightened to death to come all the way up because they’re thinking, ‘anything over the top, he’d be in trouble’.”
Related video: What No European Football Means For Manchester United (Dailymotion)

But Keane picked out Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes’ lack of desire to lead the press from the front and insisted Man Utd don’t have the players for it.
Keane added: “Manchester United haven’t got the players to [press]. Fernandes is not going to do it. Rashford won’t do it.
“They might do it for five or ten minutes, so if you’ve got a team that’s not going to press – we’re talking about leopards and spots.
“Man United are never really going to be good at that pressing side of it.”
Keane’s comments come in the same week former Arsenal winger Perry Groves picked out Rashford and Fernandes as the first two players he’d get rid of if he was Man Utd boss.
Groves said on talkSPORT: “Manchester United are still rotten. Erik ten Hag is swimming against the tide.
“If you were a new manager going in the two players I’d get rid of straight away are Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

“They’re everything that is wrong with Manchester United.
“They’re lazy. Bruno Fernandes is never a captain in a million years – I said that after they lost 7-0 at Anfield and he was trying to do his socks or his shinpads or whatever.
“The other thing that epitomises it is that Alex Iwobi’s goal was a brilliant, counter-attacking goal – by the time Iwobi scores the goal, Victor Lindelof hasn’t made the halfway line and he’s a defender.”

Rashford PR backfires as Manchester United forward launches ‘attack’ on the wrong people

Marcus Rashford clarifies a story written about him in 2020
And it’s a category certain journalists just do not fall into, such as Oliver Brown of the Daily Telegraph.
The sub-headline to his article is a fine place to start, saying as it does that the ‘Manchester United forward has been given a platform to mount an attack on the media but his form and conduct do warrant proper scrutiny’.


Give Mediawatch a second to get over the idea that actual Marcus Rashford, actual Manchester United actual footballer, needs a specific ‘platform’ to do much of anything. The bloke can log onto social media any time and send a message out to millions of people whenever he likes. The Players’ Tribune is not a ‘platform’ he needs.
And good lord, if any of what Rashford has either said or ‘written’ was ‘an attack on the media’ then there are some awfully thin-skinned people working in such an industry.
Apropos of nothing, Brown jumps into Rashford’s attempt to ‘escape legitimate scrutiny’ by ‘portraying any criticism as a cynical attempt to knock him off the pedestal he assumed during the pandemic’.
At which point Brown has already made as many references to the pandemic and Rashford’s work during it as Rashford himself. Almost as if the England international does not consider himself to be on a ‘pedestal’ beyond censure. No possible sane read of Rashford’s article or interpretation of his spoken words can suggest that he feels ‘any criticism’ is ‘a cynical attempt’ to undermine him.
Related video: Rashford Non-Existent Up Front! | Nottingham Forest 0-1 Man United | Fan View (Natalie) (Global Fan Network)

• English Football ChannelManchester United boss Ten Hag on Derby against City, injury update and Fernandes (Full Presser)
• 7:52

READ MORE: Rashford’s Manchester United actions must speak far louder than his thousands of empty words
But Brown continues raging against Rashford’s ‘self-justifying screed’ in which he paints himself as ‘essentially beyond reproach’. Was that the bit where he says ‘I’m a human being. I’ve made mistakes that a lot of lads in their 20s make, and I’ve tried to learn from them’?

So, while Rashford would like to frame his deteriorating public profile as the media’s fault…

And at this stage it really must be said that that isn’t what Rashford was trying to do whatsoever. He doesn’t say he’s only scored five goals this season because the Daily Mirror wrote something mean about him. His very specific, very obvious and very clear point was about the coverage his cars, his wages, his jewelry, his tattoos, his body language, his morals and his family receive. He says as much. There was no attempt whatsoever to ‘frame’ his poor form or disciplinary issues this season as ‘the media’s fault’ and Brown has to know that.

Plenty of this is on Rashford for conflating two arguments: against the criticism he has received this season for playing and at certain times behaving poorly; and against the irresponsible media reporting on certain aspects of his life. In an article geared towards offering his side of the current situation and first and foremost emphasising his commitment to Manchester United, it was a strange time to air those grievances with the media.
But that does not excuse pretending he blamed them for anything to do with his form or discipline, or that he tried to ‘mount an attack’ on anyone or anything.
‘Much as it might infuriate him to hear this,’ Brown continues, ‘his harsh depictions in the media are not some act of calculated malevolence. They have nothing to do with “tall-poppy syndrome”, or with an eagerness to bring him down after his noble efforts helping to feed underprivileged children who were not receiving their free school meals.’

A reminder that it was the Telegraph – not Brown himself, of course – who once heavily implied that Rashford had to pick between playing well for Manchester United and feeding children. So it feels that might still be a factor for some. And it feels like this entire article is a disproportionate response to a footballer questioning some of the coverage he garners in certain quarters of the media. That’ll show him.
 
Damn and blast

How, by the way, do the Daily Telegraph present their story on Rashford’s article more than 2,000-word article spanning a range of subjects?Marcus Rashford blasts criticism over lifestyle and commitment to Man Utd

The bar has been lowered an awful sodding lot if any of what Rashford said qualifies as a ‘blast’. Or maybe you could say there’s a tone to that headline that you don’t get with all footballers. Let’s just leave it at that.
 
Rash cream

But Brown is not fighting the good fight against nasty, media-bullying Rashford alone. Ian Ladyman is here in the Daily Mail and it is a strong old start:Rashford, the United forward, is not an easy target, he is the opposite.

Reckon he might be an easy target at times, you know.
But no, ‘the reality is that if you are going to come for Rashford then you had better have good reason and you had better not miss. And even if you don’t, then you should still be ready for a backlash.’
In which case, the thoughts of Mediawatch are with the brave Ian Ladyman at what is presumably an incredibly difficult time, sifting through all the ‘backlash’ he’s definitely received for criticising a player who has been criticised more than most this season.

Rashford, rightly or wrongly, currently appears to believe he’s being victimised.

He thinks certain aspects of the coverage he receives is vacuous nonsense and that is difficult to argue against. Rashford never even implies that he is ‘being victimised’. Not even by Ladyman, who once tried to stoke some anti-Rashford sentiment when he flew to New York while injured.

Rashford believes that people have it in him for him.

Way to say the same wrong thing in two different ways within a couple of paragraphs.

This is an interesting tactic by the 26-year-old. His delicately written polemic reads a little like a plea for love, for understanding. It’s clearly from the heart and he has every right to put it out there.

It reads exactly like a ‘plea for understanding’. Rashford writes in the first paragraph of his piece that ‘sometimes, certain lines get crossed, and I can’t help but want people to just understand who I am as a person.’ That’s some GCSE English Literature-level analysis, Ian. But it’s good of you to approve of Rashford trying to have his say.

In particular, he seems upset that his commitment to United is being questioned. By whom exactly, he does not explain, but it’s not difficult to understand how that may hurt.

It’s a real mystery who might have questioned Rashford’s commitment. Earlier this week Alan Shearer criticised his body language and said “you as an individual have to take responsibility for your actions on the pitch,” so maybe let’s not rule him out. But also literally a couple of paragraphs later Ladyman writes ‘his work rate has been questioned by supporters’.

Some wise soul will figure out who Rashford was talking about at some point, but alas it will not be this day.
Ladyman concludes in much the same way as Brown before him: with some variation of telling Rashford to do his talking on the pitch. Which is fine but let’s not pretend that even when Rashford has done precisely that, the media didn’t do the exact things he spoke about.
 
Custis pie

And finally, the thoughts of everyone must be with Neil Custis at this most difficult time:The SJA have announced invites to their awards but continue to recognise the lovies and their inverted full backs rather than those who have been at the coal face for decades.

Mediawatch is equally baffled at the exclusive story of Sheikh Jassim’s imminent Manchester United takeover not being nominated for scoop of the year.

Rashford’s Manchester United actions must speak far louder than his thousands of empty words

Marcus Rashford choosing words – 2200 of them – over actions to defend his commitment to Manchester United has swayed few of his critics. He cannot simply claim there is no case to answer…
There is a lot to unpack from Marcus Rashford’s attempt to reintroduce himself. Which probably seemed a good idea when it was pitched to him.


First he goes for the media, despite ‘not trying to have a go at the media’. And he makes some very fair points. Rashford is right about one thing – his child-feeding exploits did ‘rub people up the wrong way’. Marcus Rashford MBE boiled all the right piss with his activism during the pandemic and thereafter. And we love him for it.
Then, though, he drops his shoulder to take on critics of his perceived levels of commitment to Manchester United. Which is from where, in keeping with his performances this season, Rashford half-sprints down some dead ends.

If you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up. It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man. I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge.

No-one can doubt his veracity here. This is the crux of his attempt to describe ‘who I really am’, and Rashford repeatedly leans heavily on his past to defend the present. The very idea that someone, anyone, could question his devotion to the United cause seems utterly abhorrent to the 26-year-old because of the sacrifices he and his family made in what sometimes must feel like a former life.
Related video: I always expect the best of Manchester United - Guardiola (Dailymotion)

What other reasonable conclusion, though, is anyone meant to draw from Rashford’s performances this season? Introvert or not, he cannot be so devoid of self-awareness to dismiss even the notion that his efforts have fallen short of the required standard.
READ MORE: Rashford PR backfires as Manchester United forward launches ‘attack’ on the wrong people
Rashford is different. He made it his business to stand out while using his profile to put food on children’s plates and he accepted the pedestal he was given for doing so. From there, the extreme receptions he receives must be head-melting for a lad who grew up with only one thing in mind.
In that day job, he has been treated differently too. But not in the way he seems to think. Because he’s all the things he says he is – a boyhood red who came through the ranks from the earliest phases – Rashford has benefitted from more patience than many others who have flailed around him at Old Trafford in the last eight years.

It hasn’t been a free ride. He’s banked plenty of credit with some huge performances, big goals, and spells of sustained brilliance. But that credit is close to its limit. And rather than hide behind an illusion of fronting up, Rashford should be dwelling on why that is.
Everyone can’t be wrong, can they? For criticism of his application seems close to unanimous, across supporters and pundits, some of whom played with Rashford. ‘He’s a great lad, but…’. Nicky Butt mentored him and despite his loyalty, even the former United midfielder and academy boss is prepared to say he’s “not working hard enough”.

So apparent is Rashford’s drift, match-going United fans took a similar line to Butt saying he “needs to sort his head out”. The widespread assumption was that something must have been going on, an issue the public were not privy to and most likely had no business being so.

Patience does not run as deep with many of Rashford’s team-mates, some of whom aren’t lacking for effort even if quality is sparse. Christ, even Bruno Fernandes, who runs his bollocks off, remains United’s most creative and consistent talent and hasn’t missed a game in 427 years, doesn’t enjoy the insulation from criticism and scrutiny that Rashford has been afforded.
Even if Rashford genuinely believes he is giving his all to maintain the status he has worked and sacrificed to achieve, it cannot have escaped him why his efforts are being perceived as so lacklustre. His body language – “everything in life”, according to the same Pep Guardiola who would take him at the Etihad – persistently portrays a man thoroughly p*ssed off with his lot.
Body language can be subjective; intensity far less so. Elite-level players are pored over to the Nth degree, and even if United’s analysts haven’t picked up on it, Twitter’s certainly have. There are countless hard-to-defend examples of Rashford barely offering even the illusion of intent to chase man or ball.

Erik ten Hag, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, January 2024
© Provided by Football365
He’s not alone. United have been a team of pretend pressers for years, which has driven managers mad long before Ten Hag. The Dutchman has copped plenty of flak for failing to organise a coherent pack, but pressing is a collective pursuit. When one phones it in, it becomes a fruitless endeavour. Rashford here is as culpable here as anyone.

It is not just about running around. Nor is Rashford obliged to play with a smile on his face. Doing neither, though, while offering so little in terms of tangible output, of course, draws scrutiny. And Rashford does himself and his club a disservice if he dismisses the justifiable criticism that follows as an agenda-driven assault on the philanthropic ‘character’ he brought to life.
Rashford’s letter to we’re not sure who ends as confusingly as the 2200 words that preceded. “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.” If Rashford really did feed off the scepticism, he would have feasted by now. Instead, we’re really starting to ponder the unthinkable: would United and Rashford be better served without each other?

The 16 former Premier League stars currently playing in MLS: Tottenham icon, Liverpool cult hero…

MLS is filled with former Premier League ballers as former stars from Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are currently going strong in the United States.
It’s fair to say that in years gone by, MLS has been branded as a retirement home for Europe’s top stars and while this is still applicable in some cases, the league is also teeming with plenty of young upcoming talents.
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We’ve taken a closer look at the league and have identified the 16 former Premier League stars that you need to watch out for in MLS this year.

Christian Benteke

The former Crystal Palace forward has been tearing things up since moving to the States. He notched an impressive 14 goals last season and has already been firing on all cylinders this time around.
With a hat-trick against New England Revolution in his latest game, Benteke will fancy himself to be amongst the Golden Boot race this year.

Brad Guzan

Still going strong at 39 years old, Guzan continues to do the business for Atlanta United. The former Aston Villa man was a dependable shot-stopper during his heyday and he’s still got some life left in him yet.
Guzan returned to MLS in 2017 and he’s now just two games shy of making 200 appearances for Atlanta. That’s some going.
Related video: Klopp says to be patient with Liverpool’s youngsters (AS USA)

I understand 100%, but it's a little bit like.

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Hugo Lloris

The switch to Los Angeles seems to have done Lloris the world of good. He wasn’t getting a sniff during his final days with Tottenham and a fresh start in the United States is exactly what he needed.
The Frenchman impressed on his debut against Seattle Sounders, making six saves and looking composed with his distribution. We’re in no doubt that he’ll soon be a fan favourite.

Maya Yoshida

The former Southampton defender joined LA Galaxy last summer on a one-and-a-half-year contract. He’s firmly established himself as part of the starting XI and still looks sharp considering his age.

Mateusz Klich

We’d be lying if we said we didn’t miss Klich and his shithouse antics at Leeds. A cult hero of the Marcelo Bielsa era, Leeds fans will no doubt still be keeping tabs on the Polish midfielder to this day.
Now playing for DC United, he’s quickly established himself as a key performer for the side. In 2023, he managed to produce 11 goal contributions from midfield with four goals and seven assists.
You just can’t help but love him.
Leeds United's Mateusz Klich celebrates as Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez scores his side's first goal of the game
© Provided by Planet Football
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name every player to appear for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa?

DeAndre Yedlin

The United States international has hit the jackpot at Inter Miami. He’s gone from sitting on the bench at Newcastle and Galatasaray to now starting alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Yedlin was Inter Miami’s club captain before Messi’s arrival, but he’s since stepped into the vice-captain role. Given the stature of both players, Yedlin can’t have many complaints over that.

Teemu Pukki

While Norwich City always struggled to cut the mustard in the Premier League, Pukki himself boasts a solid scoring record in the top flight. A record of 22 goals in 73 Premier League appearances certainly isn’t too shabby.
Aged 33, he’s now doing the business for Minnesota United. Last season he managed to bag 10 goals in just 14 appearances for the MLS side. He’ll no doubt be among their top scorers this season too.

Ashley Westwood

Having racked up 286 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and Burnley, Westwood is one of the most experienced former Premier League stars playing in MLS.
In January last year, he joined Charlotte FC and quickly established himself as a regular in the starting XI. He also plays alongside one of his former Burnley teammates at the club too.

Scott Arfield

Having linked up with Westwood at Charlotte FC, Arfield is another former Premier League star within their ranks. Since his arrival last summer, he’s often been used as an impact substitute.

Luis Suarez

He may no longer be at the very peak of his powers, but Suarez still knows how to find the back of the net. Last season for Gremio he managed to score 26 goals while also providing an impressive 17 assists.
Having now reunited with Messi, Busquets and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami, we can’t wait to see what this season has in store for Tata Martino’s side.
It’s early days, but the Barcelona chemistry is already starting to bubble.
Luis Suarez in action for Inter Miami.
© Provided by Planet Football
READ: Messi & Suarez have melted our brains – Inter Miami are slowly morphing into prime Barca

Xherdan Shaqiri

The Swiss winger might just have one of the most unique career paths in football history. From stints with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan to Stoke City and Liverpool, there’s rarely been a dull moment during his career.
Now playing out his later years in MLS for Chicago Fire, you’ll be pleased to know that he is still scoring worldies on the regular.

Victor Wanyama

Since leaving the Premier League behind in 2020, Wanyama has established himself as a key performer for CF Montreal. He’s already racked up 118 appearances for the club which was more than he managed at Tottenham, Southampton or Celtic.

Cucho Hernandez

The Colombian forward spent five years on the books at Watford, although he spent the majority of his time out on loan. In total, he managed 25 Premier League appearances and scored five goals in that time.
Hernandez was highly rated in his younger years and was picked up by Columbus Crew in 2022 in a deal worth $10million. He’s since scored 31 goals in 50 outings for the MLS club.

Bryan Oviedo

The former Everton and Sunderland defender now plays for Real Salt Lake. He managed to make the MLS playoffs last season, but his side ultimately came up short against Houston Dynamo.

Sam Surridge

Surridge managed a total of 26 Premier League appearances, with the bulk of those games coming for Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old left the City Ground behind last summer for a fresh challenge with Nashville SC. In 16 appearances for the MLS side, he’s scored six goals so far.

Matty Longstaff

The latest former Premier League man to make the switch to MLS. Longstaff has had a tough time with injuries of late, but he seems to have landed on his feet with a two-year deal at Toronto FC.
Being just 23 years old, the former Newcastle midfielder still has the best years of his career ahead of him.
READ NEXT: 7 MLS wonderkids who could be set for a big move to Europe in 2024
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the top 30 goalscorers in Major League Soccer history?