Joe Cole sends message to Man Utd star over ‘body language’ following harassment claim | Football

After a poor 2023/24 campaign, Rashford has started this season struggling, failing to register a single shot in the opening three games.

This led to a wave of criticism from Alan Shearer and Gary Neville, as well as fans booing Erik ten Hag when he failed to replace the striker in the home defeat to Liverpool.

Rashford managed to bounce back on Saturday, however, scoring a sublime goal in United’s 3-0 win at Southampton.

On the eve of the match, a source close to the player claimed that the England international believed the criticism from pundits, particularly former United players, amounted to “bullying”.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the Southampton win, Peter Crouch praised Rashford and admitted he felt “sorry” for the 26-year-old given the huge amount of scrutiny he has received.

Fellow pundit Cole was also impressed with the performance but suggested he could do more to shake off the criticism, besides scoring goals.

“I think the main thing for him is that when things are not going well, he keeps his body language nice and positive. Don’t give us the chance to think he’s depressed.”

“The criticism is what it is, but body language would definitely help. Score goals, people would shut up, it’s as simple as that if you’re a striker. Every centre-forward knows that.”

“But it would help him. He’s getting to an age where he has to work on that because he’s a senior player now. Especially at this club, he’s the icon of this club.”

“If his body language was better in the tough times, when things are going badly and it seems like he can’t get results. Not in the good times, because we can all walk and talk when things are going well.

“I would like to see that from him and I think it would help his overall performance.”

Rashford’s team-mate Andre Onana, who saved a goalless penalty against Southampton, praised the forward’s character, saying: “Sometimes you’ll have difficulties, sometimes you’ll face difficulties, but it’s not a question of how you fall, it’s a question of how many times you can get up, isn’t it?

“Today he came back, scored an important goal for us and I hope he will do a lot more for us. I am really happy for him because he needs his goals.”

“Playing for this incredible club, there is a price to pay, every game you lose feels like the end of the world, but you have to stay strong, stay united and keep fighting.”