Everything that Marcus Rashford touched last season turned to gold. Or should that be goals?
Rashford plundered 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United last season - not to mention the three he scored for England on World Cup duty in Qatar - and it looked for all the world the Academy graduate had finally taken the next step forward in his career. However, things have far from gone to plan this season.
After spearheading United to a third-place finish and Carabao Cup silverware, the 26-year-old has been unable to recapture that tip-top form with just eight goals to his name in 40 appearances. That downturn has seen Rashford placed under the microscope more than most and the United man has now hit back.
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Rashford caught the eye with his social media activity in the early hours on Friday morning. Responding to a post from an X account that supported the 60-cap England regular amid ongoing scrutiny, he wrote: "I appreciate your support. It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough."
Rewind 12 months, there was nothing Rashford could do wrong. He was in the most purple patch imaginable with goals galore coming for club and country, while his sterling work away from football - campaigning against racism and for free school meals for children - were fresh in the memory and, for that, he should forever be championed.
That goes beyond football and Rashford deserves every single bit of credit for what he has done off the pitch, but his profession and humanitarian work do not go hand-in-hand beyond him, rightfully, using his global platform and status for the greatest of causes.
Creating headlines for his sensational form on the pitch last season, his ongoing struggles this season have caused the opposite. Rashford has been slammed for his lack of goals, perceived concerns with his body language and the Belfast trip that landed him in hot water with Erik ten Hag.
Every pundit, supporter - United or otherwise - and general observer has seemingly had their say on Rashford with constant stories published around his professional and personal life. The culmination of that led the attacker to fire back via social media on Friday morning.
The dust on his revealing interview with The Players' Tribune - which was aired on February 29 - has yet to properly settle and that gave a full insight into what Rashford feels about the criticism that has been thrust his way. The follow-up post on X was confirmation that he thinks the column inches are disproportionate.
