With Manchester United’s season opener against newly promoted Hull City now just 24 days away, Marcus Rashford looks set to be reintegrated into the squad.
Marcus Rashford is a Manchester United great.
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Marcus Rashford cuts a Marmite figure within the fan base at Old Trafford – when he crops up in conversations, a debate is almost instantly formed.
In a recent Talk of the Devils podcast, well-respected journalist Andy Mitten believes Rashford is 80% likely to be a Manchester United player next season, and let’s not get it twisted: a fit and firing Rashford is a dangerous proposition for every other team.
Something that goes in favour of the forward is the fact that head coach Michael Carrick appears stoically optimistic about igniting his fire of playing for United, a fire many thought had faded.
Is it too little too late? It is a question many will not have the answer to at present, but one thing is for sure: the player, club and fans must be aligned if they are to rekindle a relationship.
Nobody has ever questioned his ability; he has that in abundance. Instead, what has been questioned, and rightfully so in the eyes of many, was his attitude and desire – two traits that are non-negotiable when you play for United.
A damaging example of the disconnect between Rashford and the supporters came against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, where United narrowly fell short in one of two consecutive finals.
As an academy graduate, the standards placed on Rashford have always been higher, with fans expecting the effort, desire and commitment that comes with representing the club. On that occasion, many supporters felt those qualities were not being displayed, further damaging the relationship between player and fanbase.
If there is one club, though, who are stubborn in their support, it is the United faithful. But for them to offer their support, they will need to see something that inspires them in return.
The fans of United should not expect the world early on; a Rashford with a wilful work rate should be sufficient. If goals present themselves, that is a bonus.
Football has a habit of offering second chances. If Carrick believes he can restore Rashford’s confidence while demanding the standards and work ethic expected at Old Trafford, there is every chance the academy graduate can still play an important role. At 28, he is hardly a player in decline, and a motivated Rashford remains one of the Premier League’s most devastating attacking threats.
From a financial perspective, it also makes sense. With the price tag of players booming, United may feel a return fits all parties. Early on in the window, the Reds were linked with Crysencio Summerville, and although he may be a good player, he is not an upgrade on Rashford.
If everyone can conjure up the correct cocktail of ingredients, on the terraces at Hull away and beyond, it may just be like Manchester, Rashford is red once more, as the chant goes.