Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Rashford has undergone transformation, with trait seen for the ‘first time’ in long time helping Man Utd

Marcus Rashford, September 2022

Marcus Rashford is finally getting back to what he does best at Manchester United because he has gone back to basics, according to Andy Cole.

The 24-year-old burst onto the scene in 2016 and has enjoyed a fantastic rise at Old Trafford since. Last season, though, he suffered a downturn in form and had to readjust.

After Euro 2020, Rashford underwent shoulder surgery and only returned to the Man Utd fold in October. Even then, he looked out of sorts and struggled for form and goals.

As a result, the 46-cap England international has lost his place in the Three Lions set-up. Before Gareth Southgate made his latest squad announcement, though, Rashford showed signs of a resurgence – which Southgate acknowledged.

He has scored three Premier League goals and assisted two others in six games this term.

And according to former United striker Cole, Rashford is back in form after going back to what he does best.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen Marcus run in behind and stretch teams since he first got into the first team,” Cole told United’s official website.

“I think he went away from his strengths [last season], which was stretching teams.

“If you look at how he’s playing now to when he first got into the team, people will turn around and say, ‘that’s the Marcus Rashford of old.’

“If he sticks to that, he’ll score goals.”

Rashford tipped to lead Man Utd charge

Rashford could also have added to his form in the Europa League, had he not suffered an injury.

He therefore missed the group stage defeat to Real Sociedad and the 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol before the international break.

However, he is reportedly battling to be fit for Sunday’s huge return to action in the Manchester derby against City.

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, Man Utd are striving to get back into the top four and return to the Champions League.

And Cole has insisted that Rashford is the one who can lead the charge for manager Erik ten Hag.

“It’s nice to see [Rashford doing well],” the former striker said. “He’s got the confidence back, [he’s] scoring goals. I think he’ll be really happy with that.

“If he can propel Manchester United forward this season, gets us into – I’m not sure what position we are going to end up in exactly, but if we can finish in the top four, it’ll be good.”

Man Utd star must continue momentum

The message is clear for Rashford: he needs to keep doing what he is doing and he will soon be back to his best.

He looks to have found a winning formula alongside Ten Hag, who is clearly backing the striker for more goals.

Antony has of course arrived at Man Utd for £84million, but that also seems to have pushed Rashford on and the Brazilian has, so far, not affected the Englishman’s game time.

If Rashford can keep up his impressive form, he will surely be a major consideration for England boss Southgate for the World Cup.

The striker played for the Three Lions at the 2018 tournament – and at Euro 2020 – making him an experienced member of Southgate’s plans.

While he picks on form, experience counts as well and Rashford could have both if he carries on.