Gary Lineker: We Shouldn't Judge Marcus Rashford

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have voiced their support for Marcus Rashford, following his omission from Manchester United's squad for the derby under manager Ruben Amorim. Rashford, who rose to prominence as a youth player in 2016, has faced a significant dip in form recently, scoring only four goals and providing one assist in 15 Premier League matches this season.

Speaking on 'Match of the Day,' Lineker said, "First of all, I hope he’s doing well. It’s easy to judge footballers without understanding their situations. Rashford hasn’t been at his best over the past 18 months, but it’s not entirely his fault. Manchester United has been struggling, and players often bear the brunt when things don’t go right on the pitch."

Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, added, "From Amorim’s perspective, Rashford’s performances may not align with the team’s current needs. However, it’s evident that the club has endured a tough two years, apart from their FA Cup victory."

Both pundits emphasized the importance of offering players like Rashford support during challenging periods instead of criticism. Lineker concluded, "It’s crucial to understand that players need the right environment to thrive, and that hasn’t always been the case at Manchester United recently."