After a revitalising La Liga title win, the rejuvenated forward credits Hansi Flick’s direct coaching for salvaging his career before a high-stakes return to Michael Carrick’s squad.
Should Marcus Rashford start vs Manchester City?
Have Manchester United finally solved their winger problem?
More Videos
Marcus Rashford's return to Manchester United took many by surprise after his future looked destined to be away from Old Trafford following a dispute with former manager Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese manager exiled Rashford from the squad after concluding that the forward did not maintain the appropriate level of effort on and off the pitch, leading to a pair of loan spells for the England international.
Rashford spent six months with Unai Emery at Aston Villa, where he found his feet again, eventually earning a season with Spanish giants Barcelona under Hansi Flick. One La Liga title later, Rashford has now returned to his boyhood club with a new face at the front. Michael Carrick, a former teammate of Rashford, welcomes the 28-year-old with open arms.
Three games into the Premier League season, Rashford has immediately grown into the squad again, claiming the left wing position over Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha, eagerly looking at rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Amid all the twists and turns of his career, one figure stood out in helping Rashford rediscover his form and return to his best.
Rashford's Resurgence Down To Hansi Flick
Rashford's loan move to Barcelona seemed like a great opportunity for all parties. Rashford escapes the relentless British media, Manchester United removes a large wage bill, and Barcelona receive an exciting direct winger who would thrive in Spanish football.
According to a report by Jason Burt for The Telegraph, Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick was personally responsible for Rashford's bounce-back in form. The forward reportedly never received the direct coaching he needed from any of his prior managers, other than Louis Van Gaal, who introduced Rashford into the first team as a teen.
The report also reveals that Rashford has maintained a strong rapport with Flick and keeps in contact with the German manager to this day, despite a permanent move never occurring in the summer transfer window.
Rashford has taken this coaching in his stride as he has quickly become a standout player under Michael Carrick this season, still waiting for that first goal since his return.
Marcus Rashford is a known threat against Manchester City and will be hungry to impress on Sunday afternoon.roundtable.ioMarcus Rashford: Man Utd's Not So Secret Weapon vs Man City
Marcus Rashford is a known threat against Manchester City and will be hungry to impress on Sunday afternoon.
Should Rashford Start vs Man City?
With a heated Manchester Derby on the horizon, Rashford has proven his ability to deliver in big games and can continue his good form. Carrick's alternative options are Cunha, who scored his first of the season against Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday and Patrick Dorgu, who walked away with the Player of the Match award in the same game.
Benjamin Šesško's physical presence and recent form should secure his place as United's starting striker, but Cunha has already been utilised as a number nine this season.
Last season saw United overcome Man City with fast attacking movements, which would thrive in a forward trio of Rashford, Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo, all being fed by the creativity of Bruno Fernandes behind them.
Carrick has already beaten City in his short time at the wheel and will look to make it two wins from two, but will face a fresh City side with many new faces.