Man United icon Andy Cole blasts Rashford's 'disrespectful' alcohol-fuelled trip

Manchester United icon Andy Cole called Marcus Rashford ‘disrespectful’ for his controversial Northern Ireland episode whilst speaking at a intimate and wide-ranging Q&A session in Dubai.

Speaking at a special night at popular entertainment venue Players House in Dubai on Thursday night, Cole addressed a range of United-related topics.

He called on United to have patience with summer signing Rasmus Hojland, insisting the young striker has the quality to be a hit at Old Trafford, whilst also insisting he would have scored even more goals in modern day football than he did during his career.

But Cole, who also listed Tony Adams, Steve Bould and John Terry among the toughest defenders he has faced, was particularly interesting on Rashford, who has been under the spotlight this week following his now infamous alcohol-fuelled two day trip to Belfast.

Rashford missed last Friday’s training session complaining of sickness but it has since emerged he was revelling in Northern Ireland just hours before he was scheduled to report for duty.

He subsequently missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport County. Rashford returned to the United starting XI on Thursday night to score the opener in United’s 4-3 win at Wolves.

But speaking earlier this week at the event hosted by Chris McHardy, Cole - who scored 121 goals for United - said: ‘I’m surprised Marcus has found himself in this position again.

‘We never minded a night out when I was playing and everyone is entitled to a night out but ultimately when you do have a night out you need to turn up for training.

‘You can’t go on a couple of nights out and then call in sick - that’s disrespectful.

‘He has found himself in hot water and Erik ten Hag has dealt with it internally and the situation is now over but he needs to have a look at himself.’

Meanwhile, Cole called on Rashford to rediscover last season’s red-hot form.

Rashford has struggled to replicate last year’s numbers scoring just five goals this season compared to his tally of 30 during the 2022/23 campaign.

‘If I was Marcus, which I’m not, but if it was me personally, I would be bitterly disappointed if I found myself in this situation after such a good season last season,’ added Cole,' who also claimed the game still has a problem with giving management opportunities to ethnic minorities.

‘I was always driven to do just as well as the season before. Look at the likes of Messi and Ronaldo they never took a season off and that’s why they have been at a level for so long.

‘And whoever Marcus has around him they need to have chat with him.’