Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford made his return to Manchester United in the summer, and he is already leaving supporters wanting more.
A year ago it seemed unthinkable that Marcus Rashford might play for Manchester United again. But after Barcelona rejected the chance to sign him permanently, he has returned to Old Trafford.
There was hope that Michael Carrick might be able to get the best out of Rashford. There are some promising signs – but not enough.
The biggest gripe with Rashford was his lack of off-ball work to help out his teammates. To his credit, he has started to address this. In the home game against Ipswich it was immediately noticeable to see how Rashford tracked back and tried to win the ball back after losing possession. There have not been any of those damaging viral clips where he appeared to walk around the pitch, like previously. He is putting in the effort.
What has been frustrating has been Rashford’s production, or lack of it. There is some blame to be attributed to him here, but not entirely.
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Marcus Rashford’s attacking frustrations
The big problem for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United is that he has not scored a single goal yet. Nor does he have an assist.
Rashford’s lack of assists is especially frustrating because he has created nine chances during his Premier League appearances, joint-highest along with Bruno Fernandes. However, his teammates have either not been on the same wavelength or have just lacked the ability to execute.
His problems in front of goal are more stark. Rashford missed a straightforward one-v-one against Brighton with the team trailing 3-2. It was the best chance he has had since he returned to United, and his shot was too easily saved.
Another problem is that Rashford has only flashed his quality. He plays well for 5-10 minutes spurts and then goes missing for another 20. And his attacking has been far too predictable, running to the byline and often losing possession.
While he spent time away at Barcelona and his contribution there was hyped up by the media, we do not appear to have got back a player who has actually improved.
His effort is hard to fault, but the actual contribution has left fans wanting more of the good elements. We are not seeing enough.
Rashford is a confidence player, and it’s draining away
Marcus Rashford has always been a ‘confidence player’. Think back to his two-goal debut in the Europa League in 2016, that was immediately followed up by a brace on his Premier League bow. During his 30-goal 2022/23 season, he went on a hot streak and never stopped.
The problem right now is that Rashford is on a cold streak. And his confidence and enthusiasm for life back at United may be draining away.
Rashford’s time at United has been complicated in recent years, and rather than creating new memories, the team’s current form will only be bringing back old painful ones. What happens if United do have to sack Michael Carrick? Does Rashford have the energy for another new project?
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The Rashford disruption
There is a little tactical element behind Marcus Rashford and Michael Carrick’s struggles. Last season the team began to settle with Matheus Cunha on the left.
This seemed like an imperfect solution at the time but both Cunha and Carrick made it work very well.
This is something that has not been revisited this season, with Rashford mainly occupying the left side. There remain questions whether he and Cunha can play together.
Rashford has played well upon his return, but Cristiano Ronaldo played well during the 2021/22 season and his presence did not help the team.