Marcus Rashford hits out at ‘mad’ schedule and being pushed to ‘absolute limits’, says "100%" committed to England
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Published 14/06/2023 at 09:48 GMT
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has voiced his concerns at the relentless fixture schedule this season in a campaign which has been extended until the middle of June. Rashford has enjoyed a fine season after scoring 30 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, but highlighted how players are being pushed to their "absolute limits" to compete at the highest level.
Rashford on fixture calendar: 'We need to be given more time to recover!'
Marcus Rashford has hit out at the "mad" fixture schedule in a gruelling 2022/23 campaign that was extended due to the World Cup.
The Manchester United forward has made 56 appearances across all competitions this season, and commented on the huge disparities on the number of matches played by different clubs.
Rashford was speaking ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifying double-header against Malta and North Macedonia, and said the calendar needs to be reviewed.
"I think that is evident," Rashford said. "It is mad that we were playing at club level against teams that are playing one game a week and we're playing three games a week from November up until we got knocked out of the Europa League.
"It is difficult but at the same time we are used to doing it. But I don't think it is right.
"I know some managers have spoken out about it. But if one team is playing 60 games and another team is playing 38, there needs to be some time for teams playing those 20 extra games to recover and to be able to prepare properly for the game.
"Listen, the players are going to push ourselves to the absolute limits. It is nothing new. So, it is not a complaint or a dig, I'm just giving you my honest opinion. I don't think it is correct. I think we should be given more time to recover in between certain games and at different stages of the season as well.
"That's just my personal opinion on it. The players shouldn't have to put ourselves in a position to speak out about something that we're not in control of or are going to make the final decision on."
Rashford was criticised in March due his decision to go to New York on a short holiday, after ruling himself out of the England squad with injury. It led to questions over his commitment to England – claims which he disputed.
"I didn't see it [the criticism] until I got home. Obviously I need time to switch off and recover. So I took a short trip, four days, and then went back to do rehab and just try and get ready as soon as possible.
"Injuries, you can't predict when they are going to happen. Thankfully, I have had very few muscle strains and those type of injuries. Occasionally you do get impact injuries and the majority of my injuries have been that.
"Honestly, I know that I am committed to it 100%. People are going to say what they are going to say. It doesn't really bother me."
Rashford ended a six-year trophy drought with United this season after beating Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup, but the Reds were ultimately outshone by treble-winning Manchester City.
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City’s haul of trophies included a 2-1 win over Erik ten Hag’s men in the FA Cup final, and the 25-year-old says it should serve as motivation to improve next season.
"It's not nice but at the same time it's football.
"The best team that is consistently playing the best football is going to win the most trophies. They managed to win three this year - well done to them.
"We just move on. It's up to them to keep it up and up to the rest of us to catch up."
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