"You're 13th in the league" - Gary Neville slams Casemiro and Marcus Rashford for USA trip amid Manchester United struggles
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has come down heavily on Marcus Rashford and Casemiro for their trip to the USA during the international break. The pair travelled to the States, where they both attended NBA games in the first half of the break last week.
Rashford and Casemiro, two of the club's highest-paid players, endured a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them lose their places in their respective national teams. This month, both players were once again left out as their countries featured in the UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, respectively.
Via their Instagram accounts, it was revealed they spent the early days of the international break in the USA, with their choices garnering mixed reactions from fans.
On the Stick to Football podcast, Gary Neville shared his thoughts on the same, saying they had got their priorities wrong. He pointed out that the club's performance, coupled with the imminent arrival of Ruben Amorim, ought to have got the players looking to be in the best shape possible.
"They went to Portland, and I'm asking the question based on professionalism - you're playing badly, the team are losing, you're 13th in the league, and there is a new manager coming in - would you choose that trip as a break to recharge your batteries? That's not a recharging trip. It's not right that," he said (via ESPN).
Marcus Rashford undertook a trip to New York, not Portland as Neville said, and he was at Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Knicks against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. He received a signed shirt from Knicks star Jalen Brunson afterwards, and the footballer posted the same on Instagram.
Casemiro, on the other hand, was in Orlando for a family holiday which included a trip to Disney World. He attended the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers during his mini-vacation.
Both players were in training for Amorim's first official session at the club, and posted their thoughts on their social media handles. With Manchester United in 13th place in the league, both players will be keen to help Amorim start his tenure in the best way possible when they face Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.
Manchester United set sights on soon-to-be free agent England international - Reports
Manchester United are eyeing a move for English midfielder Angel Gomes, who was previously on their books, as per The Sun
Gomes made just ten first-team appearances for the Red Devils before leaving the club in 2020 in search of regular first-team minutes. The England international has now played 129 matches for Lille, earning his first England caps this year as well.
Angel Gomes will become a free agent in the summer, with his deal at Lille set to expire at the end of the season. He will be able to discuss pre-contract agreements with clubs outside of France from January, and Manchester United reportedly want to seal a deal for him by then.