Manchester United hero Paul Parker has revealed he ‘feels sorry’ for Marcus Rashford amid reports saying the winger feels he’s being bullied by club legends in the media.
The 26-year-old endured a difficult start to the campaign as he failed to net against the likes of Manchester City, Fulham, Brighton and Liverpool.
Since the recent international break, however, the England star has bounced back.
Rashford was on target as United secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday.
Manchester United hero Paul Parker has revealed he ‘feels sorry’ for Marcus Rashford amid reports saying the winger feels he’s being bullied by club legends in the media
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And the England international then followed that up with a brace in the Red Devils’ 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday night.
Parker, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill Vegas, has admitted he feels ‘sorry’ for the forward.
Reports over the weekend claimed the winger feels club legends in the media are ‘bullying him’. Though no names were mentioned, the likes of Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have all been critical.
But Parker has also urged Rashford to knuckle down and deliver on the pitch in order to silence his critics.
“It’s tough for all these young players,” he said.
“With the media these days, you are never away from criticism from a loss or bad performance or celebrated after a good performance or hat-trick.
“The aim for Marcus Rashford now has to be consistent with these performances and then the critics will all disappear.
“The legends are asked questions and I feel for Marcus as he has a lot on his young shoulders. He has to keep his head down, perform and be confident on the pitch.”
As well as Rashford, United boss Erik ten Hag has also found himself in the firing line.
The Dutchman was kept on back in the summer after winning the FA Cup, though the fallen giants did slump to eighth in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag insists he’s still the right man for the job and, with United returning to winning ways, is confident of a good season ahead.
When asked about the 54-year-old, and United’s season, Parker added: “It’s turning a little.
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Man Utd hero Paul Parker has opened up on his former club amid their inconsistent start to the season
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“Scoring 10 goals in two games is the perfect response after the Liverpool defeat.
“It’s all you can ask for from the players and goals give players confidence.
“This is really positive that they are now scoring goals and with [Crystal] Palace on the weekend, there is no reason why they can’t now go on a good run.
“Goals have been an issue, so hopefully now the team can start scoring more.
Man Utd hero Paul Parker has urged Marcus Rashford to knuckle down and produce on the pitch in order to silence his critics
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“The club have backed Erik so he is the man. We need stability and the squad to group together and perform on the pitch.
“They need to deliver a level of performance week in week out and results will come.”
Parker was also asked if any of the United managers over the last decade would potentially fare better than Ten Hag.
The club have hired and fired David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the past 11 years, ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional retirement.
Man Utd hero Paul Parker thinks Erik ten Hag remains the right man for the job over at Old Trafford
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Parker is keen not to look back, however, with the United legend instead preferring to focus on the future.
“All different types of managers, but I don’t like to look back, so Erik is the man and he has to get the best out of this squad,” he continued.
“They are his players and they must be more consistent week in week out and then results will improve and Man Utd can be looking to compete at the top of the League, rather than be outside the Champions League places.”