In Erik ten Hag's ** season in charge of Manchester United, Marcus Rashford was impressive, displaying the best attacking stats of his career. Marcus Rashford emerged as the standard-bearer for Manchester United, helping them end a six-year trophy drought, but his form has slipped this season and has been making headlines again in recent days for his wrongdoings.
Marcus Rashford missed Friday's training session and failed to feature in Manchester United's FA Cup clash with Newport County and was subsequently excluded from the matchday squad, but there was a ** indication that he was in the clubs on Thursday night. Turnhag repeatedly referred to Rashford's behaviour as an 'internal matter' after the defeat of Newport County, but the Dutchman is known for his strict discipline, as Jaden Sancho has suffered after he has publicly challenged him. Despite speculation about Rashford's punishment, the England striker's form this season has been a wake-up call.
Marcus Rashford's offensive stats slip.
Marcus Rashford made his debut in February 2016 when he scored two goals against FC Midtland and then again against Arsenal in the Premier League. However, the 26-year-old has lacked consistency throughout his career, but last season he lived up to his undisputed potential. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford stepped up and became the standard-bearer of United's attack, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists in 56 appearances.
Reaching 30 goals helped Rashford surpass his record of 22 goals in the 1920 season, but he has failed to replicate those numbers this season. The versatile striker has scored just four goals in 26 games – all in the Premier League – and those two goals have come in his last two league games. Marcus Rashford's goal in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month was his first goal at Old Trafford and his first in 16 hours since May last year. Marcus Rashford averaged 0. goals per 90 minutes in the 22-23 season63, but this season that number has dropped significantly to 0. goals per 90 minutes2 pcs. Marcus Rashford's assist figures have improved slightly this season, from 0. per 90 minutes23 assists increased to 0 per 90 minutes3 assists, but his overall performance dropped significantly.
The reason why Rashford failed to perform well.
The reasons for Rashford's poor form this season can be divided into two categories – collective and individual. Compared to last season, Manchester United's performance has dropped significantly, especially in attack. United's attack lacked obvious cohesion, with players questioning their decision-making and appearing selfish. Manchester United averaged 1 goals per game in the league last season53, but down to 1 this season14 pcs. Remarkably, only Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sheffield United have scored fewer goals than Manchester United – and their expected goals have also gone from 1. per 90 minutes76 dropped to 1 per 90 minutes66 pcs. Manchester United have been severely affected by injuries, which has limited their effectiveness in establishing a game format with Marcus Rashford. Shaw is one of the most important players in United's build-up, often providing Rashford with side-by-side runs and creating space for him to cut in with his right foot.
However, Rashford must be held accountable for his performances in his preferred left winger position this season. As the chart above shows, Rashford's performances throughout his career have been inconsistent and he has failed to become an undisputed world-class striker. The England international was outstanding against high post defence and exploiting space behind opposition defence on counter-attacks. Tenhag stressed ahead of the season that he wants to build United into "the strongest transitional team in the world", with Rashford's skill on the counter-attack remaining an advantage. However, when he often fails to make a similar impact against low post defenders, he tends to try to do too much or one-dimensional on his own, just relying on his stronger right foot to cut in. Marcus Rashford's attitude and work ethic this season has been duly criticised and he looked completely uninterested in the defeat at Newcastle United. Former Manchester United player and academy head Nicky Bart, who has known Marcus Rashford since he was a child, questioned his attitude last week.
He said: 'Marcus Rashford is a world-class talent but he's not happy right now, both in life and in football. He's not happy right now. I told my 16-year-old son, 'If you're not happy when you're playing football, you're not going to do well.' He's in that state right now. Whatever the dynamics are, I don't know. I'm protective of Marcus because I've known him since he was 8 years old, maybe I'm not saying he's the right person because I'm very loyal to someone I really care about and he's one of us. He's a great lad, an incredible genius, but even I would say he needs to solve his own problems because he's not happy right now and he doesn't have enough attitude to work. I know what I'm thinking, but I can't compare myself to Marcus because he's in a terrible locker room right now. Let's be completely honest and say that I was in an incredible locker room. Marcus is not, and the situation is different. ”
What's next for Marcus Rashford?
Marcus Rashford signed a new contract last summer until 2028 with a lucrative salary that few clubs in the world can match. Manchester United legend Roy Keane says Marcus Rashford has lost his fighting spirit after signing his lucrative new contract and has been under increasing scrutiny in a range of recent non-football issues. Tenhag has set a precedent in dealing with Sancho's questions about professionalism, so it will be interesting to see if Rashford will feature against Wolves on Thursday – Tenhag was dropped from the squad last season at Molineux Stadium because of his late arrival.
United's attacking options have been diminished by Jadon Sancho's move to Borussia Dortmund and Anthony Martial's departure, so they cannot afford to lose Marcus Rashford, the team's most valuable player, who is tied with Bruno Fernandes for bad behaviour. Rashford's body language and general attitude have been worrying for some time now, while Alejandro Garnacho's impressive performances on the right winger will cast doubt on his long-term future. While Garnacho has been excellent on the right winger lately, the Argentine's preferred position is on the left, and he has shown signs that he can develop into a world-class player. Marcus Rashford has enjoyed some special moments under the red shirt, but his performances for the club's 127 goals may not have reached his full potential. Manchester United are ushering in a new era and after Jim Ratkoff's sporting control, Rashford will need to prove he is committed to being a part of that journey.