RAHEEM STERLING should serve as a stark warning to misfiring Marcus Rashford – top players will not be picked upon reputation forever.
And on an afternoon that felt all too similar to last season – his performance at the Amex quickly began to descend into all too familiar territory.
The England international, 26, has become an easy scapegoat at Old Trafford since sealing a bumper five-year deal worth £325,000-a-week last summer.
It’s important to clarify that Rashford was not the only United player off the pace as Bruno Fernandes was cheaply dispossessed by Billy Gilmour for Danny Welbeck’s opener – which could also have been stopped by Harry Maguire.
But given this is only the second match of the new Premier League season – on the back of Rashford’s Euro 2024 axe – Erik ten Hag would be right to demand so much more from his star forward.
Rashford saw an equaliser, a cute flicked rebound, chalked off for offside in the first-half and his head quickly dropped during this dramatic defeat.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MADD ONE
Pep fumes as City lose fifth in a row
'Fergie time? It's different now... I have to be me'
SAYS RUBEN AMORIM
SLOT OF RESPECT
Arne joins City boss Pep in hailing Saints' Martin
IT'S ODE TO JOY FOR MIK'S GUNS
Fit-again Martin & Saka rule the show
QUICK SMART
Butch: Kiwis a test
Keep your Eds
FANS SHOULDN'T BOO OLD BOSS
You're licked! Worst doggy sock thieves
RETRIEVERS RATED CRIMINAL LEG-ENDS
THE KINKY WRINKLIES
Boomers' booty calls
Look at the size of those pigs in blankets Doreen!
NUDIST XMAS DINNER AT PUB
Cher: I saw Jesus face on curtains..
STAR BELIEVED IN ANGELS & SPIRITS