'They have to show': Gordon Strachan challenges two Man Utd stars to prove their worth

Former Manchester United star Gordon Strachan has challenged Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount to prove their credentials during the upcoming campaign.

Rashford had a disappointing 2023/24 season with the Red Devils where he scored eight goals and provided five assists from 43 appearances in all competitions.

It was a significant dip from the previous campaign where he had 41 goal contributions. The fans will be hoping that Rashford can revive the same form next season.

Meanwhile, Mount barely made an impression in his first year due to multiple injuries. The former Chelsea man registered just one goal and one assist from 20 appearances.

In a recent interview, Strachan said that there are a lot of question marks about some of the club’s ‘big players’ including Rashford and Mount.

He added that the duo have to show the right application and commitment every single day.

He said: “There are a lot of question marks about some of Manchester United’s so-called big players, guys like Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount. Mason Mount was injured last season and it can take time to get used to a new club.

“For Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount, they need to decide what type of career they want to have at the club. They have to show the right application and commitment every single day.

“We know Marcus can do it after what he has shown during his career, and to be fair to Mason Mount he was injured most of last season so I’m sure he’ll be hungry to prove the doubters wrong.”

Both Rashford and Mount have impressed with their performances in pre-season. The former registered three goal contributions against Arsenal and Real Betis during the United States tour.

Mount has managed only one assist in five outings, but has been lively from an attacking midfield role. The 25-year-old was one of the club’s best players during the 3-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool.

The duo will have a point to prove next season and they can make an early impression during Saturday’s Community Shield encounter against Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium.

United go into the game with better preparation compared to the Cityzens, but need to translate the same into a strong performance. A victory would be ideal before the Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com