Neville critical of Rashford and Casemiro's trip to America: 'Not professional'

Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, two of Manchester United’s key players, have come under scrutiny for their personal travel decisions during the recent international break.

Rashford, who was once again excluded from the English national team by interim coach Lee Carsley for the Nations League matches, chose to fly to New York. Meanwhile, Casemiro, free from international duty with Brazil, spent time with his family at Disney World in Orlando. These trips, taken during a critical period for Manchester United, have sparked criticism, particularly from club legend Gary Neville.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet, Neville did not hold back in expressing his disappointment. He questioned the professionalism of both players, especially given the timing of their trips. “Of course, players need a mental break,” Neville acknowledged. “Every player should have the chance to step away and relax with friends. But as a club, you discuss the choice of location with the players. How far are you flying? What’s the time difference? Will it cause jet lag? Could it result in stiffness after a twelve-hour flight?” Neville further emphasized that such factors should weigh heavily on decisions, particularly for high-performing athletes who are central to their team’s fortunes.

For Casemiro, who at 32 is in the later stages of his career, Neville suggested that rest should have been a greater priority. "He didn’t have international commitments, which is rare for someone of his caliber. This was an opportunity to recharge properly, not take on a transatlantic trip with all the fatigue that comes with it." Neville also pointed to the broader context of Manchester United’s struggles this season. "You’re playing poorly, the team is losing, you’re 13th in the league, and there’s a new manager. This isn’t the time for a vacation to recharge your batteries. That’s not right."

Neville’s remarks highlight the sensitive timing of the players’ decisions. United recently appointed Rúben Amorim as their new manager, signaling a fresh start for the club amid a disappointing season. The team’s current position in the Premier League table has put pressure on players to focus on improvement and cohesion. Neville believes trips like these send the wrong message, both internally and externally, about commitment during a pivotal moment.

Not everyone on the podcast agreed with Neville’s perspective. Ian Wright, the former Arsenal striker and podcast host, offered a contrasting viewpoint. “If it’s my free time, I’d do it. Simply because it’s my free time. Plus, if you’re only going for three or four days, the jet lag won’t cause major issues,” Wright argued. His comments reflect a growing debate over how much control clubs should exert over players’ personal lives, particularly during international breaks when no official matches are scheduled.

The issue is not entirely new for Rashford. Earlier this year, he faced criticism after a similar incident. Then-manager Erik ten Hag, recently dismissed by the club, disciplined Rashford following reports that the forward had called in sick after spending an entire day drinking in Belfast. Such controversies have raised questions about Rashford’s professionalism and focus during what has been a challenging season for both player and club.

Casemiro, too, has faced challenges adapting to life at Manchester United since his big-money move from Real Madrid. While his performances have shown flashes of brilliance, critics like Neville argue that his decision to prioritize leisure over rest could hinder his ability to maintain top form, especially given the physical demands of the Premier League.

The debate over Rashford and Casemiro’s travels underscores a broader tension in modern football: the balance between personal freedom and professional responsibility. On one hand, players are entitled to use their downtime as they see fit, especially after grueling schedules. On the other hand, the optics of such decisions matter, particularly when a club like Manchester United is struggling to meet expectations.

As the season progresses, the focus will inevitably shift back to the players’ performances on the pitch. For Rashford and Casemiro, the challenge will be to prove that their brief getaways had no impact on their fitness or form. For Neville, the incident remains a stark reminder of how critical perception and professionalism are in the modern game. Whether or not the players’ choices were truly detrimental, they have reignited an ongoing discussion about the responsibilities that come with representing one of the biggest clubs in the world.