We seem to be at a critical point in a Marcus Rashford Manchester United career that has seen its share of ups and downs. Both he and Alejandro Garnacho were dropped from the squad for the match against struggling Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday, December 15. The Red Devils managed to earn a thrilling win with the help of two late goals mainly thanks to Amad Diallo, the new star on the horizon.
Had United lost the match, their new manager Ruben Amorim would have probably drawn a lot of flak for dropping Rashford, who is still arguably United’s best player. For all the euphoria created by Manchester United’s remarkable win, it cannot be denied that they did not create enough chances upfront.
Marcus Rashford Manchester United Career Needing Starting XI Minutes
Rashford has not gone close to replicating the form that he displayed a couple of seasons ago, which saw him score 30 goals. However, his return of seven goals and three assists in 24 matches cannot be termed as categorically bad.
However, Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation pits him directly against the 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund, who is probably a better long-term choice for club for the role of the No. 9. Hojlund’s work-rate is better than Rashford’s and besides, the 27-year-old English forward prefers to play on the left flank anyway.
His reluctance to do defensive work makes him a misfit for the role of a No. 10 behind the striker. Playing as a No. 10 behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 will mean that he will not get as much space as he used to get as a left-winger, which reduces his effectiveness.
Moreover, Amad’s good form and the fact that another reluctantly defensive player in Bruno Fernandes is playing as a No. 10, means that Amorim cannot afford to have another somewhat slack player like Rashford in his line-up.
Hence, the only realistic chance for a Rashford Manchester United revival and getting a place in the playing XI is if he plays as the No. 9. If Hojlund does not enjoy a particularly good goal-scoring run, then Rashford might find himself in the reckoning once again.
Rashford Left Behind Due to New ‘Work Culture’?
However, the points mentioned above only pertain strictly to on-field issues. If the off-field indiscipline is also taken into account, then the matter takes a different complexion altogether. Amorim has already voiced his thoughts on imbibing a proper work-culture at the club to revive its glory days. Hence, if Rashford is not doing enough to inspire his younger teammates as a senior player, his position might get jeopardized at the club.
The Englishman has made almost 440 appearances for the club and is into his 10th season at Old Trafford. Hence, he should know very well what is expected from him at this stage of his career. He should be at his peak of his powers at his age and not worrying about winning back his place in the starting XI of his club.
It remains to be seen whether Rashford can pull things back during the remainder of the ongoing season. However, if he is not a part of the United rebuilding plan under the new manager, he might even have to leave the club in the near future.