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Marcus Rashford admits ‘mistakes’ but hits back at critics questioning his commitment

Marcus Rashford Bids Farewell To His Manchester United Teammates

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has hit back at critics questioning his commitment to the club but has admitted he has “made mistakes”.

The 26-year-old was recently the subject of internal disciplinary proceedings at Man Utd after an unsanctioned trip to Belfast last month saw him report ill for training and miss the FA Cup third-round win at Newport.

Rashford was also criticised earlier this season for going to a nightclub after October’s 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City.

The England forward has struggled on the pitch too this season, scoring just five goals in 32 games across all competitions, while his body language and overall demeanour throughout the campaign has been questioned.

But Rashford has now broken his silence over both his form and off-pitch issues in a first-person account on The Players’ Tribune in which he also says he believes he has been unfairly targeted by the media because of his campaigning over free school meals in England during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “I don’t normally like to respond to things said about me. It’s not in my nature. I’m an introvert. I don’t even like talking about myself, unless I really know you. So 99 per cent of the time, I can ignore the noise. But sometimes, certain lines get crossed, and I can’t help but want people to just understand who I am as a person.

“I’m not trying to have a go at the media. I understand the game, you know what I mean? They’re not really writing about me. It’s like they’re writing about this character, ‘Marcus Rashford’. It can’t just be about me as a 26-year-old lad on a night out, or a lad getting a parking ticket. It’s got to be about how much my car costs, guessing my weekly salary, my jewellery or even my tattoos. It’s got to be about my body language, and questioning my morals, and speculating about my family, and my football future. There’s a tone to it that you don’t get with all footballers. Let’s just leave it at that.

“I think some of it goes back to the pandemic. I was just trying to use my voice to make sure that kids weren’t going hungry, because I know exactly how it feels. For some reason, that seemed to rub certain people the wrong way. It seems like they’ve been waiting for me to have a human moment so they can point the finger and say, ‘See? See who he really is?’

“Listen, I’m not a perfect person. When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better. But if you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up. It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man. I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge.”

He added: “Listen, the thing is, football can be a bubble. I have tried to stay a normal person. I have tried to keep my same friends. I have tried my best not to change, even when I’m on a night out or on holiday. But there’s another side to that. I’m a human being. I’ve made mistakes that a lot of lads in their 20s make, and I’ve tried to learn from them. But I’ve also made sacrifices that nobody sees. The thing that I want you to understand is that money is not what keeps you playing through the hard times. It’s the love of the game, plain and simple.

“I can take any criticism. I can take any headline. From podcasts, social media and the papers. I can take it. But if you start questioning my commitment to this club and my love for football and bringing my family into it, then I’d simply ask you to have a bit more humanity.”

Manchester United are enduring an underwhelming season with Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Fulham leaving Erik ten Hag’s side sixth in the Premier League and eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

But Rashford is confident United will “be back where they belong”.

He said: “I promise you, the world has not seen the best of this United squad and these players. We want to be back playing in the Champions League, then we have a massive international tournament at the end of the season.

“We will be back where we belong. We just have to keep working, and that starts with me. If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Champions League Semi-Final Highlights: PSG Edge Arsenal In Tense First Leg At The Emirates

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made a bold statement in North London as they secured a gritty 1-0 win over Arsenal FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash. It was a disciplined and tactically sharp performance from the Ligue 1 champions, who now hold a slender advantage ahead of the second leg in Paris.

Key Match Highlights

⚽ Ousmane Dembélé Strikes Early

Back in the lineup after being dropped in the previous clash for disciplinary reasons, Ousmane Dembélé wasted no time announcing his return. The French winger found the net in just the 5th minute, converting a cut-back from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Although Dembélé’s strike was scuffed, it caught Aaron Ramsdale off guard and proved to be the difference.

Kvaratskhelia’s Electric Display

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a constant menace on the left flank, showcased his flair with a dazzling solo run that split through the Arsenal defense. Despite strong appeals, the Georgian was denied a penalty after going down in the box. Nonetheless, his creativity and pace set the tone for PSG’s early dominance.

Arsenal vs PSG- sportsmarketinternational.com

Arsenal vs PSG- sportsmarketinternational.com

⚖ Arsenal Find Their Rhythm

After a shaky start, Arsenal FC began to gain traction midway through the first half. Midfielder Mikel Merino, playing in a box-to-box role, drove forward with purpose and tested PSG’s midfield structure. One of his penetrating runs ended with a contentious penalty shout, but Rúben Neves timed his tackle to perfection—confirmed upon VAR review.

VAR Drama Denies Arsenal Equalizer

The hosts came out stronger after the break. A hopeful cross met Merino in the air, and he powered a header past Gianluigi Donnarumma—only to have the goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check. Arsenal’s best chance of the night followed when Leandro Trossard unleashed a low drive, but Donnarumma got down swiftly to parry it wide.

PSG’s Late-Game Discipline

In the final 20 minutes, PSG shifted gears into containment mode. The visitors absorbed Arsenal’s pressure with composure and nearly doubled their lead on the counter. Bradley Barcola squandered a clear chance by dragging his shot wide, while Gonçalo Ramos rattled the crossbar with a late thunderous strike—serving Arsenal a final warning.


Final Score

Arsenal FC 0–1 Paris Saint-Germain
Emirates Stadium, London


What It Means

  • PSG now carry a narrow but crucial away win back to Paris, where they’ve been formidable all season.

  • This result marks PSG’s first-ever victory over Arsenal in European competition.

  • Arsenal FC, despite the defeat, remain firmly in the tie. A single goal in Paris could change everything.


Looking Ahead

The second leg at the Parc Des Princes is poised to be a tactical showdown. With a Champions League final berth at stake, Mikel Arteta will demand a sharper, more clinical performance from his side. On the other hand, Luis Enrique will look to manage the advantage while unleashing PSG’s fearsome attacking trio on the counter.

 

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Premier League

Ivan Toney Expected to Leave Brentford This Summer — Arsenal and Chelsea in the Race

Ivan Toney’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its end, with multiple sources confirming the striker is expected to leave the West London club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the 2025–26 season.

A Proven Premier League Goalscorer

Toney, 29, has been a consistent performer since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and penalty precision, he has attracted interest from top-tier clubs thanks to his ability to lead the line and deliver goals under pressure.

Despite serving a suspension earlier in his career for betting violations, Toney has returned with form and focus. With one year left on his contract, this summer represents Brentford’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee.

Arsenal and Chelsea in the Mix

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of Toney’s profile. With questions lingering over Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and Kai Havertz’s natural role, Toney could offer Arsenal a more traditional No. 9 — something they’ve lacked in recent title runs.

Chelsea:

Chelsea’s ongoing search for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes, but inconsistency in front of goal has cost the Blues points. Toney would offer Premier League experience, leadership, and reliability, potentially becoming a focal point in Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving system — if Pochettino remains in charge.

Brentford’s Perspective

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been transparent in recent interviews, stating the club won’t stand in Toney’s way should the right offer come in. The Bees are reportedly valuing Toney at around £50–60 million, though that fee could drop depending on the bidding dynamics and contract situation.

What It Means for the Market

Toney’s move could spark a domino effect in the striker market. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and even West Ham may pivot their striker strategies depending on his destination.

A bidding war could push up the fee, and personal terms — including a likely wage increase and ambitions for European football — will play a key role in the decision.

Conclusion

Ivan Toney’s expected departure from Brentford signals one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer battles of the summer. With both Arsenal and Chelsea looking to sharpen their front lines, the race for Toney’s signature is heating up — and it may just come down to ambition, Champions League football, and timing.

Stay with Sports Market International for the latest on this developing story

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Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe

 

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