Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford risk missing World Cup at Man Utd

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • 13 Jun 2022 20:21 BST
  • 3 min read
Jadon Sancho. Manchester United, 2021/22
© ProShots

England manager Gareth Southgate has warned that the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford risk missing out on the World Cup unless they show improvement at Manchester United.

United endured a torrid 2021-22 season, finishing down in sixth place in the Premier League to miss out on Champions League football next term.

Article continues under the video

The Red Devils picked up just 58 points over their 38 games, a massive 35 behind champions City and nine points behind Arsenal in fifth.

Now, the onus will be on Sancho and Rashford to prove they deserve a spot in Southgate's squad.

Harry Maguire was the Reds' sole representative in the call-up for England's UEFA Nations League squad in June, despite the flak the club captain has attracted for his part in their under-performing.

Forwards Rashford and Sancho were both overlooked for the four Group A1 games, as was Luke Shaw who is currently recovering from injury.

Southgate on Rashford and Sancho

“We’ve only got one [United player] with us," the England boss signalled ahead of Tuesday's Nations League clash with Hungary.

“They’ve got a lot to do to get back in the squad."

Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund last summer but struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form during his debut season, netting just five times in 38 games in all competitions as he drifted in and out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick's starting line-ups.

Rashford also struggled to impress and recorded his worst season at United since first breaking into the first team as he also scored five for the misfiring Red Devils. Such have been his struggles, there has been speculation that he could leave the club this summer.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.