Marcus Rashford has not played so far this season after getting long overdue surgery on his shoulder which has been bothering him for years, along with many other injuries, and his return from injury could be the catalyst United and Solskjaer need to get out of this current rut that is ongoing.
Manchester United’s current form has been less than satisfactory for many fans, especially with the massive expectations of winning trophies this season after the summer transfer window; The poor form has been dating back a while, even in the games United have won, they have looked less than convincing.
Man Utd have really struggled as of late, only winning twice in the last six games, including three losses, and the two wins had to be late winners to salvage the game from a losing position, with United only leading the game for a total 32 minutes over the past five games, notably against teams they should be beating.
This poor form has put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the firing line of the media, questioning his tactics and team selections which caused this poor form, the problem the current United team seems to have is a lack of energy and pace, mixed with runs in behind, which has made United easy to defend against in the last few games.
With Rashford back to full fitness and free of injuries for the first time in around 18 months, his pace, energy and running, along with his exceptional technical ability, his return could be just what this team needs to reach their potential.
In recent games, teams such as Aston Villa and Villarreal were able to come to Old Trafford and play high defensive lines, knowing United won’t have runners in behind to expose it, with the players up front such as Ronaldo, Sancho and Greenwood all wanting the ball to feet, Rashford will make them runs in behind to expose the high line, this is what happened multiple times last season, for example his goals away to Real Sociedad and Granada in the Europa League exposed the high lined those teams played.
Another factor Rashford brings to United is his link up play with Luke Shaw on the left hand side which they have built up over the last few years, comparatively, Luke doesn’t quite have the same connection with the likes of Pogba and Sancho on that side.
One play that really opens up a back line is the overlapping run that Shaw makes, in which Rashford can perfectly weight the ball for him to get in the crossing position, that has really developed over the past seasons and with Ronaldo in the box, getting into good crossing positions will really help United open up defences.
Rashford has been one of United’s most productive players over the past two seasons, scoring over twenty goals in the past two seasons, amounting 43 goals, whilst also providing 22 assists in that time as well, turning into one of the world’s most productive wingers at a very young age and carrying multiple injuries as well, with him returning to the side injury free, with his elite skill set, along with his ever improving goal involvements, it could see United pushing for major trophies this season with him in the side.
