What Steve McClaren told Sir Dave Brailsford about Marcus Rashford speaks volumes about Man Utd star

Marcus Rashford continues to generate attention despite having not played for Manchester United in almost a month.

The 27-year-old’s last game for United came against Viktoria Plzen towards the beginning of December, where he was replaced early in the second half after an underwhelming display.

Since then, Rashford has been left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad on four occasions, including for the Manchester Derby.

He returned to the fold against Newcastle United last week but failed to appear off the bench despite the team being 2-0 down.

What McClaren told Brailsford about Rashford

A new article about Rashford’s situation added some interesting context about the player behind-the-scenes at Carrington.

It was explained by The Athletic that during a training session last year, former United assistant coach Steve McClaren was overseeing a small-sided tournament.

Rashford’s team had reached the final, which was said to be close in score, and McClaren said that he believed the game was Rashford’s to win.

After that, it was claimed that the 27-year-old questioned why additional pressure was being put on him ahead of his teammates.

The report continued that, following this exchange, McClaren recognised how Rashford required extra attention and shared his thoughts with INEOS director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford.

Shortly afterwards, Brailsford attended Carrington for a meeting with United’s squad, addressing them about raising standards. Rashford requested a one-to-one talk with the INEOS chief afterwards.

Questions over Rashford as the main man

It speaks volumes that Rashford did not want that added pressure, even in a training game, despite being one of the standout players in United’s squad.

Even though he has multiple 20-plus goal campaigns, it has always felt like Rashford should not have been the main man at Old Trafford.

But however you look at it, that’s what’s happened. He dons the club’s iconic number 10 jersey and is one of the top earners with over £300,000-a-week. Some would say he has failed to take on the responsibility that comes with those benefits.

Read More: How Man Utd teammates have responded to Marcus Rashford’s exclusion after Liverpool update

Others may argue that United needed to strengthen their squad further to get the best out of their top talent. Rashford’s underwhelming form in the last 18 months has been directly linked with United’s failure to secure any top quality left-backs during the regular injury absence of Luke Shaw.

It is difficult enough to be a Manchester United player, but to be one during a time where you’re expected to be the main man to turn the club’s fortunes around must be a strenuous task.

Ultimately, it looks like it may be the end of the road at Old Trafford for Rashford soon and that is a sad ending for a story that once looked so promising.

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