Manchester United enjoy an extended break following their FA Cup exit, giving manager Michael Carrick time to analyze mistakes from his first defeat. The squad faces no action until next weekend’s crucial clash against Aston Villa, where both teams sit level on points, with United ahead on goal difference.
A strong run of six wins in seven games propelled United into Champions League contention before Wednesday’s loss to Newcastle marked Carrick’s initial setback, sparking divided reactions.
Lewandowski Credits Confidence for Rashford’s Barcelona Revival
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski attributes Marcus Rashford’s resurgence to a supportive environment. The 28-year-old England international, who last featured for United in December 2024, has excelled on loan at the Spanish club, which holds a £26 million option to buy.
Lewandowski stated, “Marcus is the guy, if you give him confidence and he sees that you believe in him, he can give you back 200 per cent.”
The Polish striker, who shares a dressing room spot with Rashford, added, “He’s a very nice guy. We spoke because we are sitting in the dressing room beside each other. We also play ping-pong.”
“I see that this guy is very kind, very nice guy but also because of this he needs someone standing behind him. If he does have this confidence he can really play his best football and on the best level.”
Lewandowski highlighted Rashford’s attributes: “He has huge potential. He has everything. He has speed, he has technique, he has a shot, he has left foot, right foot, skills.”
Evra Questions Icon Criticism of Carrick
Former United captain Patrice Evra expresses frustration over criticism from club legends after the Newcastle defeat. United icon Paul Scholes posted on Instagram—later deleted—”United have been crap last four games… night.”
Evra commented, “I hope Paul Scholes’ Instagram story is fake. I hope he was hacked. To be honest, I’m not surprised at that from Scholesy. He was the quietest player I’ve ever played with in my entire career. Now, in the media, he drops bombshells.”
Evra continued, “I really don’t understand the lack of support behind Michael Carrick, he’s one of us and he’s doing very well. There’s been negative analysis from Scholesy, but also from Roy Keane and Gary Neville.”
“It annoys me because we want to be in the top four, and those comments are unnecessary, but this is what you do when you work in TV. You can’t be positive, you have to be negative.”
