MY ACCOUNT
After Marcus Rashford was left out of the starting XI for the Manchester derby, rumours surfaced that he wanted out of Manchester United.
Despite the absence of the injured Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, Rashford’s poor form meant he was only subbed on with less than half an hour remaining at the Etihad.
The experienced duo are expected to return against Tottenham this evening, meaning the England international will likely be on the bench once again.
Is it time for the 24-year-old to leave his boyhood club with his contract running out in June 2023?
Manchester derby snub
Starting on the bench was nothing new for Rashford given he had only been named in Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-up in two of the Red Devils’ previous ten Premier League matches.
But with no other strikers available for the derby, it was last Sunday’s selection that raised the most eyebrows — especially with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba preferred as a pair of false nines.
Former United captain Gary Neville said: “That’s got to be the ultimate put down for Marcus Rashford today.
“Four other centre forwards he started the season with are not here and he still can’t get into the side.
“It tells you where Rashford is at, where Rangnick thinks he is at.”
Barren run
It has been a difficult season for Rashford and the headline stat is that he has scored just five goals in 24 appearances this term.
All four of his league strikes have come as a sub, with his sole Champions League effort coming in the 3-2 group stage win over Atalanta.
He has actually only missed three big chances in all competitions, though 25 shots is a pitiful amount for a forward player.
On the creative side he has struggled too, creating 11 chances and only competing 25 of his 60 attempted take-ons.
If the next United manager wants to bring in a high-pressing style, six possessions won in the attacking third and 23 in the middle third are not figures that leap off the page either.
But there are mitigating factors too — Rashford was absent until mid-October with a shoulder problem, while he played 65 times for club and country last term and often featured despite having a knock.
That looks to have further hampered his fitness and form this time around.
Moody Marcus
It is not surprising that Rashford is said to be considering his future given his on-pitch demeanour.
After the City defeat, Neville insisted United got worse once the academy graduate was brought on and claimed he regularly looks frustrated and like he lacks confidence.
Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor thinks he has lost the fire in his belly.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “What Rashford has got to do now is knuckle down and show that he’s actually interested in playing for Man United.
“He’s lost that hunger he had when he first burst onto the scene. He looks like a striker who is comfortable.
“A change would probably do good. His contract expires in 2023 so if he goes somewhere it will be a cut-price fee.
“It would be the best solution for the club and the player because he looks like an unhappy player, a player who is sulking whenever he’s on the pitch.”
No Rash moves
Not everyone is of that opinion though, especially given the current managerial situation at Old Trafford.
Even Rangnick, who has Rashford right down his pecking order at the moment, praised him prior to the derby.
The German said: “Marcus has abundant talent, pace and physicality. He has everything you need for a modern striker.”
But he will not be in charge next year and a new man will. Whether it is Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag or someone else, there is every chance they will want to work with the striker.
Paul Merson reckons writing Rashford off already is a ludicrous move.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the ex-Arsenal playmaker said: “It’s been two or three months and there is talk of Rashford being moved on. Seriously?
“No manager in their right mind would come to Old Trafford and offload Rashford. Even if I was going to take over the club as manager tomorrow morning, I wouldn’t be letting Rashford go.
“This is why Manchester United are in a shambles, how haven’t they got a manager in place now?
“Whoever does come in as manager isn’t going to get rid of Rashford, so the move will have to be done before then, that’s if it is going happen.”
And with the club reportedly having the option to extend his deal to 2024, it would be foolish to write Rashford’s United eulogies too soon.
