When Man Utd finds that their stance on Marcus Rashford is 'validated' once, why not replicate it five times? And that occurred prior to the ‘subtle jab’…
Evident Snare
To be fair to Neil Moxley, Chief Sports Writer of Sunday People, he maintained honesty, coming from a time when quotes from footballers were taken as genuine statements and not seen as ‘digs,’ ‘messages,’ or ‘breaks of silence.’
He conversed with Aston Villa's captain John McGinn regarding the impressive loan duo Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio and noted on March 18…
When asked if he could tell within five minutes if he was facing ‘a player,’ the captain of Villa replied: “Yes, both Marcus and Marco displayed signs that confirm they are at the highest level.” They may have strayed for various reasons, but from us, they will receive love, support, and teammates who will work hard for them.
“We wish for them to find happiness once more.” And each day you encounter them, they wear a smile. That’s when you can tell footballers are content and performing at their peak.’
Not the most thrilling quotes, yet footballers are typically not the most thrilling individuals.
The following day, the Manchester Evening News transformed these rather innocuous remarks into something genuinely remarkable…
"Aston Villa player delivers a subtle jab at Man United in fresh comments about Marcus Rashford – 'When you're aware'"
Um, excuse me, what? It’s incredibly subtle that neither the man who talked nor the one who listened made that link.
Regarding the pull-quote of ‘when you know’…we recognize the Reach's fixation on the ‘curiosity gap’, but this is merely curiosity nonsense.
And wherever one goes, others will certainly join…
‘Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa colleague takes a jab at Man Utd and Ruben Amorim as ‘fresh asking price’ surfaces’
SPORTbible over there, casually including the name Amorim just because why the hell not?
And now, on March 20—two full days post the release of those McGinn quotes—MailOnline has joined the discussion…
‘John McGinn sends a slight jab at Man United and Ruben Amorim regarding Marcus Rashford – after the loan player secured an England call-up due to his strong beginning at Aston Villa.’
While McGinn was specifically discussing Rashford and Asensio, could this have also been a ‘subtle jab’ at PSG and Luis Enrique? Or is that irrelevant since Man Utd is the SEO goldmine? We are aware of the solution.
Currently, ‘John McGinn has asserted that Marcus Rashford will have ‘teammates who work hard for him’ in what seems to be a jab at Manchester United.’ He likely didn’t have to ‘insist’ – few would disagree – and the implication is ‘clear’.
For anyone not eager to force Amorim and Man United into a headline during international week, it isn’t.
And naturally, the Manchester Evening News shows up once more, as who wouldn't want another story using the same quotes?
‘Aston Villa player makes a subtle remark towards Manchester United regarding Marcus Rashford’
On Wednesday he ‘shot’, on Thursday he ‘targeted’; will he be preparing his weapon by Friday? Or is it merely us?
The evidence is in the results
Two weeks ago, we discussed how the story that Marcus Rashford causes trouble has been a long-time click generator.
On that occasion, the Express chose this headline...
‘Man Utd vindicated regarding Marcus Rashford as insights from Aston Villa dressing room surface’
As we stated back then, ‘clearly what you are meant to believe is that Rashford has been a) idle, b) a c*** or ideally c) a idle c***, thereby validating Manchester United’s decision to loan him out’.
Rashford's lack of those qualities was a minor hurdle, but it was overcome by claiming that Manchester United was ‘justified’ in awarding Rashford a £320,000-a-week deal nearly two years ago.
Utterly questionable tactics, yet undeniably effective.......
‘Marcus Rashford's comeback from Aston Villa talked about following Man Utd's validation’ – March 11
"Man Utd 'may owe Marcus Rashford £20m' after being validated at Aston Villa" – March 11
‘Man Utd vindicated regarding Marcus Rashford as Thomas Tuchel clarifies England position’ – March 14
‘Marcus Rashford's final transfer decision regarding Aston Villa revealed as Man Utd validated’ – March 20.
Ultimately, why create despicable nonsense aimed at exploiting Manchester United supporters' biases just once when you can do it five times?
Obvious as thick sludge
The Liverpool Echo came up with a great idea to calculate the average player ratings for the season and create a detailed list of the top (and bottom) performers. That’s superb interlull cuisine.
However, the headline undergoes processing by the Reach click distortion machine, and this is the result:
"Cody Gakpo's absence is now evident as five Liverpool players provide Arne Slot with a lift."
Gakpo has been unavailable for a total of four games due to injury this season – all of which Liverpool won – yet continue…with a seemingly unrelated ‘as five Liverpool players support Arne Slot’ even though at no time are five Liverpool players specifically mentioned.
At times, and this may surprise some, perhaps just utilize the headline to indicate what the article contains. It will never become popular.
England, my England
Ah, we find ourselves here once more in the Daily Express…
“England's starting lineup chosen for the Albania match as Pickford and Kane left out’
And by whom has the England starting XI been determined? Not the real England coach Thomas Tuchel, of course, but rather 'Express Sport authors'.
And how many of the seven ‘Express Sport writers’ absurdly proposed that Pickford and Kane be benched? Single.
It is undoubtedly the most significant narrative in football.
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