Manchester Utd: Should Marcus Rashford make starting XI? Stunning performances put him on top of Solksjaer's list
Marcus Rashford has two goals in five games that Manchester United have played so far. One of it came against Luton Town in their EFL leg while the other was against Brighton in the Premier League. The 2019-20 EPL season saw him net 17 goals in 31 starts. The new season has seen him with three starts and his latest performance in England colors against Belgium puts him on top of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's list of starters as United prepare to rebound from the 1-6 shellacking they suffered last week against the Tottenham Hotspur.
It was achievement unlocked for Rashford when he shared a milestone with greats Bobby Charlton, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney when he slammed in the equalizer in the Brits Nations League win on Sunday. He took the shot from the penalty spot just before half-time and that means he's now scored for England in his last four appearances. He is also the fourth Manchester United player to do so in the process that saw him join the pantheon of the legends.
According to a Goal report, Rashford's goals have been spaced out across the year with him hitting on in England’s Euro 2020 qualifying 6-0 win against Bulgaria in October 2019 and followed it up with another goal for the three lions in their massive 7-0 win against Montenegro the next month. In his 39 appearances for the national side, he now has 11 goals.
It isn't just Rashford who's had some great stats to notch up as England have now won 20 of their 21 home games. They have scored 67 goals and now the three points earned puts them on top of their group as they gear up to take on Denmark. With this, there is zero doubt that Rashford has evolved into a better player over the years, there's still more to learn. That said, the 22-year-old's position was in doubt as United chased Jadon Sancho relentlessly during the Premier League transfer window.
Despite the fact he has been a regular starter for England and United, his front three-position comes under threat should United push on for Sancho again next summer. For now, he, along with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood takes a major chunk of responsibility for the Red Devils and in his 219 appearances, has 69 goals to his credit. His style of play is more offensive as he maximizes his scoring opportunities from turnovers. His ability to control long passes and win a one-on-one tussle makes him lethal as far as the attack is concerned.
While he initially played center-forward, Rashford playing a more attacking role towards the flank to be the receptot in wider areas augured well for United as he could get in some space to work the ball around with the defenders. In addition the acute game awareness and quick speed make him more versatile. It is perhaps keeping these in mind that Rashford has been a regular Keeping these in mind, Solskjaer has started Rashford in all their Premier League games this season.
While the lack of scoring has bene United's bane, the recent performances by their players for England will allow them to carry on the scoring momentum. The side faces Newcastle next followed by a date with PSG in their UEFA Champions League group stage soon after which they take on Frank Lampard's Chelsea. An in-form Rashford would be the answer the Red Devils are desperately looking for.