Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea have been linked to the signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United late in the transfer window, and will be encouraged by his experience playing in a back-three system so far.
Despite being handed the number nine shirt at Old Trafford, Rashford was only used as a substitute during their Premier League opening weekend defeat to Hull City.
The Blues are considering Rashford as a late addition to the first team squad, with them just agreeing a deal for Liam Delap to move to Nottingham Forest for £50m.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
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Marcus Rashford has impressed when playing in a back-three system as Chelsea consider signing
Any signing coming to the club would need to be able to feature in Xabi Alonso’s system. Chelsea have started the Premier League season in a back three.
Rashford featured briefly in the system under Ruben Amorim at United, despite the fact he was clearly out of the Portuguese manager’s plans.
Hull City v Manchester United - Premier League 2026/27
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Even though he wasn’t fancied at the time, Rashford scored three goals in just six appearances under Amorim, averaging a goal every 102 minutes.
For context, Joao Pedro scored once every 178 minutes in the Premier League last season, with his campaign rightfully seen as a very positive one.
There could be a lot of change to the attacking options at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts next week, with others linked with following Delap out the door.
Chelsea attackers still linked with exits
Nicolas Jackson is being strongly linked with a move away from the club, with Aston Villa seemingly keen to pay close to what Chelsea are demanding.
Both Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto are being linked with exits this summer, potentially leaving the Blues needing one more addition to the frontline.
Chelsea have tried with cut-price options from Old Trafford in the past. Both Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho have come in and brought limited success.
Rashford has had a far larger impact on the Premier League though, and seems to fit into a back-three system very well too.