From goal-scoring hero to off-pitch controversies – what’s happening to Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford?

It was only last summer that Marcus Rashford inked a lucrative five-year deal, securing his future at Old Trafford with a staggering £325,000-a-week contract until 2028. However, the footballer’s recent actions have left fans and critics questioning his commitment.

The Manchester United faithful, who once celebrated Rashford’s remarkable achievements on and off the pitch, are now grappling with uncertainties surrounding the striker. Recent reports suggest that Rashford’s night out clubbing before a training session, followed by calling in sick, has sparked concerns about his professionalism.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton, speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, voiced his apprehensions, stating, “He thinks he’s untouchable. This hasn’t been the first time he’s had a misdemeanour. It’s been continuous. He has no respect for the manager and no respect for his teammates. That’s the bottom line.”

Rashford’s personal life has also been under the media’s scrutiny, especially after his split with fiancée Lucia Loi, his childhood sweetheart. Recent images of him with personal trainer Courtney Caldwell have fueled speculation about his relationships off the pitch.

Former Premier League star and BBC pundit Alan Shearer added his voice to the concerns, saying, “Something is wrong — either at home or in his relationship with the club. He can’t keep doing this; he can’t keep wasting his talent.”

The spotlight intensifies as Rashford now faces time away from the pitch in an effort to regain manager Erik ten Hag’s trust. The disciplinarian manager has a history of taking a tough stance with players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

Rashford’s recent actions present a significant challenge for Ten Hag, who values high standards both on and off the pitch. An Instagram apology to fans and a promise to improve on his performance statistics may be in the cards for the beleaguered footballer.

The signs of Rashford’s troubled off-pitch life were apparent before the announcement of his new deal in July last year. From relationship struggles to late-night celebrations, the footballer has been navigating through controversies that have now put his future at Old Trafford in jeopardy.

As Rashford strives to regain Ten Hag’s trust and simplify his life away from football, fans are left wondering how the footballer, once hailed for his charity work and activism, has found himself entangled in a web of off-field turmoil.