Gareth Southgate has cautioned Marcus Rashford that “considerable financial investment entails considerable responsibility” due to concerns regarding his club performance and discipline.

Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations were severely jeopardized by the 26-year-old’s dismissal in Copenhagen less than twenty-four hours prior to his inclusion in Southgate’s most recent 25-man England squad for the final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, against North Macedonia and Malta.

Marcus Rashford, who has struggled in front of the net for United in a state of crisis, has had a challenging season thus far. Rashford recently infuriated Erik ten Hag. The birthday celebrations of the player in a nightclub subsequent to the humiliating Manchester derby defeat were deemed “unacceptable” by the United manager.

Southgate stated that he understood the decision regarding Rashford’s red card in Denmark, despite the prevailing opinion that it was harsh: “In my opinion, he has been unlucky. “Ultimately, the action brings him into a collision with the player, which I believe merits a red card,” he said. However, he also mounted a solid defense against the England striker, who has maintained his impressive form.

Southgate responded, “I have not engaged in conversation with him regarding his inquiry into Rashford’s welfare.” “He is aware that we cherish him.” His performance in his last three starts with us has been outstanding. Thus, we are extremely pleased with him.”

Southgate declined to comment on Ten Hag’s criticism of Marcus Rashford. “I am not involved in the events that transpire at his club,” stated the England manager. Nevertheless, he continued, “I suppose the point I was making was that it is evident that his club form has fallen short of his expectations; he has not scored as many goals as he did the previous season.”

In 19 appearances this season, Rashford has scored just twice for club and country, compared to 34 goals in 63 games in the previous campaign. Southgate further stated, “However, we’ve chosen him because of his outstanding performance for us in June, when the subsequent squad was only a few games into the season…”Since he is in an excellent position with us, we could not have imagined leaving him out in any way.”

Southgate responded when asked whether Manchester United scrutinized Marcus Rashford, who signed a lucrative new five-year contract in July, more closely due to his hometown of Manchester: “Well, if you’re going to be a major player, you have to live with that, really.

“Respectfully speaking, “big bucks” ultimately means “big pressure.” He is the individual who scored every goal the year prior. Obviously, we’ve been able to distribute the goals more evenly here [with England], and perhaps there’s less emphasis on a single individual, which I believe benefits everyone – I’m certain that not even Harry Kane believes that I must score.

“Rasmus Hojlund’s recent goal tally for United may be a factor, but as you are aware, Marcus has scored goals in the past, so that is likely to occur once more.”