Former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas slammed Marcus Rashford for his “criminal” behaviour during Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to the Magpies on Saturday evening. The England forward’s work rate was slated and his body language lambasted, though Jenas had a theory that the poor display was a message to boss Erik ten Hag before his early substitution.
Rashford lined up on the right flank, even though he typically prefers to play on the left and failed to track Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento going back, as the hosts at St James’ Park were able to get down the United sides time and time again.
Both Livramento and Kieran Trippier were allowed plenty of time and freedom to punish the Red Devils, something Ten Hag noticed and showed his frustration on the sidelines. He singled out Rashford and the pair had what appeared to be a frank discussion on the pitch, before Jenas took aim at the 26-year-old for his attitude.
“I think it was poor,” Jenas told TNT Sports when asked for his thoughts on Rashford’s performance. “I think his body language was shocking throughout the game, I really do. There have been too many moments like this (failing to defend) and throwing his arms about.
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“I think he is sending a message to his manager almost like I don’t want to play out here. He is looking at (Alejandro) Garnacho on the left, and it’s criminal putting your team under that type of pressure by not doing your duties as a wide man and tracking back.
“It’s clear as well, Livramento knows that he does not want to go with him. He’s never there and it’s time and time again. He has no interest in tracking him back and (Harry) Maguire and (Luke) Shaw are constantly coming to the rescue due to the ineptitude of the wide players and it’s not just them by the way.
