Man United ace ‘lacks personality’ and has just had a wake up call, says pundit

Stuart Pearce believes that one England forward’s surprise omission from the 30-man squad for the European Championships should be a wake up call.

Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the forthcoming tournament in Germany was one of Gareth Southgate’s more contentious choices.

Erik ten Hag’s debut season saw the academy graduate score 30 goals in all competitions, thus the Manchester United winger’s season wasn’t great by his standards.

Rashford was a key player in the build-up to the Red Devils’ second goal at Wembley Stadium, which turned out to be the game-winning goal, in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.

Pearce on Rashford

Speaking on talkSPORT, former City manager and Nottingham Forest left-back Stuart Pearce believes Rashford’s omission from the 30-man squad should be a wake up call for the winger.

“You talk about Marcus Rashford. The last caller turned around and said it could adversely affect him. I think it should be a wake-up call to this kid,” Pearce said. “The talent that he has got. I have watched him at United, and every once in six games, he goes and does something, he gets you off your seat, he cuts inside and scores a wonderful goal.

“You think, you are one of our most talented players, you should be leading this squad, and you forced the England manager to leave you out of the squad because of your form.

“This is going to be harsh of me to say, he lacks real personality on a football pitch to grab his club side and take them to where they should be. He has been there since he was a kid. Grab the club by the scruff of the neck and lead the club. That’s the age he is at the moment.”

Rashford’s struggles

It has been difficult for the winger to put together a season of steady play since getting into the United first squad back in 2016.

Ten Hag was unstoppable on his debut, scoring crucial goals in the Carabao Cup final against Barcelona, Manchester City, and Newcastle United.

However, the winger’s recent campaign was forgettable due to his off-field antics that affected his on-field performances. Regardless of the management at Old Trafford, Rashford will have a big season next year.