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Dwight Yorke warns Erik ten Hag against using Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as striker
Manchester United icon Dwight Yorke has warned Erik ten Hag against playing Marcus Rashford in the centre-forward position. The former striker feels sorry for the 24-year-old playing through the middle up front.
The United academy graduate has been preferred by the Dutch manager in the centre-forward position this season. And while the England international is our top goalscorer of the campaign, fans have not been impressed with his finishing.
Speaking to Lord Ping (h/t Metro), Yorke, who played for the Red Devils between 1998 and 2002, believes the number nine role is not an easy position to adapt to.
“If you look at my career, or Thierry Henry, as strikers we started out in the game from the wide attacking areas of the pitch before becoming truly comfortable in that central role.
“The No.9 is a specialist role. I feel sorry for Rashford because he’s played on the right, on the left and through the middle.
“You don’t master that position unless you’re playing there every week. A striker develops his senses and movements through playing the role.”
Rashford came up through the ranks in Manchester and has been able to carve a place for himself in the squad. He has played in multiple positions over the years. And in the 2018/19 campaign, the 24-year-old had his best goalscoring campaign at the club.
However, last season was one of the forward’s worst in a red shirt. The forward looked devoid of confidence. He has been able to seemingly find a way back under the new gaffer in the current campaign.
Rashford has come up trumps for Ten Hag in important matches. United lost the opening two games of the season. However, we then went on a four-game winning run. And the 24-year-old contributed to crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal.
The England international is the Red Devils’ top goalscorer in the 2022/23 season, with five goals in all competitions. However, supporters are concerned about him not being clinical enough.
The Dutch manager has not been able to count on Anthony Martial in the current campaign. The former AS Monaco star has had issues with his fitness.
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Cristiano Ronaldo also does not seem to be in Ten Hag’s plans. Thus, he has had to use Rashford as the striker. And while he has struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks, currently, the 24-year-old is evidently our best option.
