Peter Crouch admits he ‘feels sorry’ for Marcus Rashford after Man United star nets his first goal of the season… amid insider claims that club legends’ treatment of him is like ‘bullying’

Peter Crouch has admitted he feels sorry for Marcus Rashford amid insider claims the Man United forward’s treatment by club legends amounts to ‘bullying’

Rashford has struggled to replicate the form that saw him score 30 goals in all competitions in the 2022-23 season.

The 26-year-old player did not make the England squad for Euro 2024 last season. Last season he scored only seven goals in the Premier League.

However, on Saturday he opened his season start with a stunning first-half strike as United beat newly promoted Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s.

Amid recent reports of ‘bullying’ and ‘more than unjustified’ criticism in the media, Crouch said he has sympathy for Rashford and praised the forward’s fine performance against the Saints.

Rashford opened his account for the season on Saturday against Southampton at St Mary’s

“He’s not there yet, it’s one game where Southampton are clearly struggling, but I think there are a lot of positives,” the former Liverpool striker said on TNT Sports.

‘He’s got it tough, Rashford, and sometimes I feel sorry for him. People expect so much of him, but he’s so talented, you know that.’

‘There was a certain hunger in him today and when I look at the pace and how dynamic his run was today, the goal will clearly do him a lot of good. I definitely thought he was a lot sharper than he has been in previous weeks.’

According to the iInsiders believe the criticism Rashford receives is different to that of his teammates.

A source told i: ‘If someone else misplaces a pass it doesn’t get mentioned, but if it’s Marcus it’s different.

‘Very different. The criticism that is coming at him is an attack. It is bullying. Supporters believe what experienced ex-players say, which only makes it worse.

Insiders believe the criticism Rashford receives is different to that of his teammates

‘The club have spent £100m on centre forwards and Marcus is back on the wings, as a facilitator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It is not his fault that chances are not being created.’

Among those who have recently criticised Rashford are former United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.

In addition, United fans have regularly criticised Rashford on social media.

Neville criticised Rashford’s performance during United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, saying the forward lacked confidence.

Neville said in an interview with Sky Sports: ‘There is no confidence. He had a one-on-one situation with Konate and now he is back in central defence.’

Gary Neville is one of the former Man United stars who has criticised Rashford

‘The United fans won’t let him get away with that. Whatever happens, you still have to go for it and go one-on-one.

‘He may not be having the best day, but he’s just come back to his senses and that tells you where his mind is at.

‘It’s been going on for 14 months, he scored 30 goals the season before.

“I’d like to think he’s getting his confidence back, but he seems to be struggling. The game doesn’t look nice for him at the moment and that’s sad.”