Robert Stephenson

Working in the arts. Created and destroyed a record label - Primal Vinyl Records. Man United sufferer. A little share trading for fun. Mostly unlucky.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@BBCSport I doubt ex-players appreciate how toxic media and online criticism gets for #MUFC players. I bet the club are aware of it, though, and make player decisions based as much on media analytics than ability. I'm sure they thought fans were indifferent to McTominay. No backlash.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@lamin202525 I don't agree with Keane. The amount of online hate and media criticism aimed at Rashford over the years is abhorrent, and its not apparent #MUFC did anything to protect him. It has clearly caused fans to turn on him and its only other fans that stand up for him, never the club.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@lamin202525 The supposed misdemeanours that people criticise Rashford for were played out and reported through social media and real events probably bear no relation how fans perceive them. No one has heard his version of events and just make assumptions based upon what they read on X. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@leysius I have to say, this is typical of a lot of posts I have read about Rashford on this platform today. A thoughtful and balanced, if somewhat selective, summary of his 21 years at #MUFC and his journey to becoming the 13th greatest goal scorer in the entire history of the club.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@Bestileri Rashford's done more for kids in this country than most politicians, but we judge him based on stupidly trivial football rhetoric, half of which isn't true and half of which is blown completely out of proportion. We have our priorities all wrong. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@UTDKobi I don't think its the case most #MUFC fans don't want him back. I think most fans who only form opinions based on what they see on this platform may not want him back, because its engagement is driven by negativity and toxic criticism. That's not all fans. You don't speak for me.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@utdreport I honestly thought his leaving would end the incessant posts using his name as click bait for engagement. However, given this about the 30th post I've seen asking this just this morning, I'm guessing nothing will ever stop that. There is no escape, for him or me. So, yes. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@BBCMOTD I don't believe this is all Rashford's fault. He became the click bait king for those who seek media and online engagement through toxic criticism, and the levels of hate he receives is beyond bonkers. No one can take that year after year and anyone would need to get away. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@HappyMotorhead Just thinking about who has to go pick up all those steel balls scattered around the back yard.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@DataFutebol It always felt to me as if the Brazil side turned up to world cups determined to play a certain style of football that was massively entertaoning to watch, but that over the years the need to win became more important.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@nogojiggy I think most fans couldn't believe Barca would be capable of showing that much brutal disrespect to a player that stepped up and performed in his first season in Spain, in a way most foreign players simply don't.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@FrankEra_ @TyMarshall_MEN I've always thought that the way Amorim chose to trash Rashford in public was not befitting of a #MUFC manager.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@UTDMarcel It must be source of constant frustration to the media pundits, content creators, and social media influenced fans that Rashford doesn't live up to the toxic persona they created for him, and is actually a really nice guy. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@ChampionsLeague Trying to hype Gordon as worthy of a massive fee by showing his highlights in a game where Rashford tore his side apart is beyond ironic.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@FrankEra_ I think the club will already know if he wants #MUFC or not. The likelihood is they won't make a bid, as they know he's not interested.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@Utdbrizzy What you notice from these clips is how much more dynamic the movement off the ball is. Everybody is making runs, everyone has pace, everyone makes the right pass. #MUFC

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@jonnyrmitch Porcupine Tree. Always known as 'the best band you've never heard of'.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@UTDKobi Rashford is the only player here that has the quality worth keeping. You might have persuaded yourself that he's evil incarnate and singularly responsible for all of #MUFC poor form in recent years. However, in terms of ability he is a level above everyone except Bruno.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@JoshC_mufc2 I don't think #MUFC should get involved in bidding wars for players. Its a mugs game and hugely risky. The proportion of £100m rated players bought by PL sides that have actually ended up looking like value for money is extremely low. Anderson is a £70-80m player all day long.

[Robert Stephenson @robstephenson]

@Kasemiireraquel Its still Messi. He has lost pace but his vision, quality of passing, and finishing is still quality. Yamal has incredible talent, but keeps trying to dribble through entire defences on his own, losing possession in the process. He is both a strength and weakness for his team.