Why Rashford's Man Utd contract is a bigger disaster than Antony transfer

Suraj Radia

• 30 Jan 2024 10:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag is once again dealing with the insubordination and ill-discipline of one of his Manchester United stars, with Marcus Rashford’s latest incident making the club regret the big money contract handed to the forward in the summer.

Rashford was pictured on a night out in Belfast earlier this week before calling in sick to training the next day, which kept him out of United’s FA Cup win over Newport.

United issued a statement saying that 26-year-old had ‘taken responsibility’ for his actions and that the matter was closed but the situation reflects yet another undermining of Ten Hag’s authority by one of his star players, while it is not the first time the Rashford has been questioned for his off-the-field behaviour this season after a similar incident last year.

Rashford’s dramatic collapse in form this season combined with his apparent disrespect for his manager and his boyhood club has made a mockery of United’s decision to reward him with a five-year contract worth £78 million in the summer.

While United have been criticised in recent times for poor transfer decisions such as the huge outlays on underperforming stars like Casemiro and Antony, Rashford’s new deal arguably poses a greater strain on the club than any failed signing.

With the new regime under Sir Jim Ratcliffe scrutinising the United’s business and exploring ways to make them more efficient, Rashford’s contract could prove to be the biggest albatross at the club unless he mends his ways and returns to his best form.

Rashford failing to make the step up to team leader

Rashford scored a career-high 30 goals last season and had seemingly convinced United that he had made the step up from streaky youngster to senior professional who represents everything the club stands for as an academy graduate.

But Rashford has scored just four times in all competitions this season with some alarming performances along the way, displaying a lack of effort and engagement which has seen him dropped by Ten Hag on numerous occasions.

While players like Antony receive understandable criticism due to poor output, the Brazilian has always maintained a positive attitude on the pitch and it would only take an improvement in his form to feasibly change his fortunes at the club.

However, Rashford’s contract makes him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League and it is unlikely United would be able to convince another side to take on his salary if Ten Hag’s patience runs out like it did with Jadon Sancho.

With Rashford’s behaviour reportedly a cause of frustration for teammates, the problem risks being yet another distraction in a pivotal season for United and a long-term concern for Ratcliffe and Ten Hag.

The only solution can come from Rashford himself to take his role seriously at Old Trafford or risk dragging the club down with his immaturity on and off the pitch and leaving United with a long-term drain on their finances and reputation.