When Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced teenager, he had the world at his feet. Manchester United’s newest golden boy probably had visions of becoming the club’s top goal-scorer, a World Cup hero with England and as a future Ballon d’Or winner too. But fast forward a few seasons, and the striker hasn’t kicked on as much as people had hoped for. Indeed, his cause hasn’t been helped by United’s collective struggles or his constant moving around from out wide to through the middle. But with Romelu Lukaku being linked with a move away according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Rashford can finally become United’s starting number nine.
The England international has all the attributes to be one of the most feared centre-forwards in world football. Pace to burn, those behind the shoulder runs defenders hate, and exquisite technique when it comes to striking a ball. And all still at 21. In the early weeks and months of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, Rashford was virtually unplayable. His Norwegian manager embraced the counter-attacking life, and the likes of Rashford and his England teammate Jesse Lingard seemed to thrive off it. Dominating the ball, and having to play with his back to goal and work against multiple defenders has never been Rashford’s strongest point; but give him a three-on-three counter and he’s as electric as they come.
When deployed from the left, the United academy product can often lose his way and disappear from the game, much like Anthony Martial. Out wide, Rashford can get left shacked with defensive responsibilities and having to track back and help out his full-back. Particularly in those close games against the big-rivals, having the striker play from the left and having to do the dirty work is just a complete waste of his talents; indeed, having him up front and offering a ball into the channels for his under-pressure defenders can be a massive relief.
Having now been in United’s first-team for numerous seasons, the expectations on Rashford have risen considerably. No longer is he given a free-ride as a ‘promising youngster’. There’s an argument to be made that he has been a victim of his early success; he has been by no means poor this season, but compared to what he showcased at the start of his career, there is a definite let-down that he hasn’t truly gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best players, let alone in his own team.
But with 13 goals and nine assists whilst having to play second fiddle to Lukaku on occasion represents a decent return, they aren’t the numbers of a Manchester United number nine. Old Trafford has become used to 20 to 25 goals a season strikers, and Rashford simply hasn’t hit those numbers as of yet due to a variety of factors. But with his Belgian teammate potentially on the way out, a place as the side’s starting striker and league’s next great marksman is up for grabs. For Rashford’s sake, it’s about time he realises that enormous potential.
United fans, would you back Rashford to be the side’s first-choice striker next season if Lukaku leaves? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…