Sam Allardyce criticised for prediction about Marcus Rashford’s playing future

Sam Allardyce doesn't expect Marcus Rashford to have a long career.

Rashford has enjoyed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in form since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over at Manchester United and it's rather difficult to find a negative in the youngster's recent performances. But Sam Allardyce has managed to find a cause for concern by claiming that Rashford's workload for club and country could lead to an early retirement. Rashford, who has four goals in his last four appearances, was singled out by Allardyce to make an argument that young players nowadays will not get as much rest as their predecessors and will therefore struggle for longevity. "[It will] probably be very difficult [for Rashford] to get to 30 because of the demands physically and mentally and the fatigue that he will suffer. He will have three weeks a year off, that’s it," Allardyce said on talkSPORT. https://twitter.com/Sanan666/status/1087611354985451520 "He’ll play all over the world because there’s no pre-season anymore, he’ll be playing straight away across these tournaments." As expected, England and United supporters took umbrage with Allardyce's comments and pointed out how not so long ago, pundits were crying out for Rashford to receive more playing time than he had been given by now-former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho. Fans also reminded the ex-England manager of a few high-profile players who, having looked after themselves throughout their careers, didn't exactly do too badly.

What an absolute dinosaur. Does he not realise how fit players are nowadays and well looked after? Nutritionists, Sports Scientists, Strength and Conditioning coaches to name a few. No wonder he can’t get a job anywhere. Go back to bed Sam.

— Scott Mills (@Mills6_) January 22, 2019

Dec 2018 - he needs to leave Man Utd to get more game time, he is being wasted.

Jan 2019 - 7 games later, he is playing too many games and won't have a long career. pic.twitter.com/0EAk1UGLLN — ? (@AquaDeAce) January 22, 2019

Giggs made 150 apps faster than Rashford and retired at 40...no wonder he's jobless atm

— Adam Doležálek (@Aidam95) January 22, 2019

It really was a missed opportunity for Rashford... If Big Sam didn't get the sack Rashford could have been learning off this amazing manager and we'd have gone all the way in the WC.

Oh well. — AxAs (@AxAs23) January 22, 2019

Only month a go they all were saying he should play more smh

— Sånån (@Sanan666) January 22, 2019

Rashford could be a world beater at 30 more like

— A X M (@AdamMickiewicz8) January 22, 2019

Christiano Ronaldo. Has played none stop for club and country since about 19. Dudes still the best in the world at like 35

— Dylan O'Brien (@OBrienDylan) January 22, 2019

The likes of Messi and Ronaldo are still playing at a world class level into their 30's and they were first team regulars at 17. If you look after yourself properly you can easily do it, Rooney is a prime example of someone who didn't and was finished at 27.

— Baz Dost (@BazDost1) January 22, 2019