Many feared for Marcus Rashford as soon as the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Manchester United was announced in the summer of 2016. After all, the Portuguese coach had a reputation for overlooking youth, for being a short-termist, for only being concerned with the here and the now. Some doubted whether Rashford would feature in Mourinho’s plans.
To a certain extent, those fears were never realised. Rashford is still at Old Trafford and has on numerous occasions made an impact as one of United’s best attackers. However, the 20-year-old still finds himself as something of a peripheral figure. Rashford is frequently forced to watch from the bench as Mourinho opts for other forwards over the England international.
This is concerning for those with Rashford’s best interests at heart. At 20, the forward needs to be making the next step in his development if he is going to truly fulfil his potential as one of the best in all of the European game. Rashford has shown time and time again that he is capable of making an impression at the very top level, yet Mourinho continues to hold him back.
Even when Rashford is given the opportunity, it’s rarely in his best position. Rashford is at his most potent when he is played through the middle as a centre-forward. He played his best football following the season-ending injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic last year, when Rashford was Manchester United’s only available out-and-out striker as they won the Europa League.
Rashford was instrumental in that success, with some even suggesting that the youngster was a more natural fit than Ibrahimovic to lead the line. A recent injury to Romelu Lukaku saw Mourinho use Rashford in this way again, but the Belgian was restored to his usual place once he returned to full fitness. When all options are available, Mourinho only ever sees Rashford as a winger.
What’s more, the signing of Alexis Sanchez will further restrict the opportunities afforded to Rashford. The Chilean is now the highest paid player at Old Trafford and so it’s highly unlikely that he will spend much time being rotated in and out of the starting lineup. Sanchez has slotted in above Rashford in a pecking order than was already weighted against the Englishman.
Now, there are reports that Manchester United could make a move for Ajax prospect Justin Kluivert in the summer. What would that mean for Rashford? His talent is currently being wasted at Old Trafford and should Kluivert pitch up just months after Sanchez’s arrival then it might be time for Rashford to consider his options.
