Marcus Rashford sheds light on his new role at Manchester United
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has revealed that he is fine playing a central role for the club following their Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol.
The 24-year-old is primarily a left-winger and has started the majority of his 317 appearances for the club in that role. Rashford’s versatility also allows him to play anywhere along the frontline, something that the managers at Old Trafford can take advantage of.
One would argue that some of the Englishman’s best performances in red have come on the left. But the player remains undaunted and is happy to garner regular playtime.
Rashford went on to add that as long as he gets to play regularly, he is ready to do what is needed to make the team tick. He probably hinted that there is little change in his overall responsibilities on the pitch regardless of where he plays.
“It was a more central role just behind Cristiano up front. But it’s the same principles, really.”
The 24-year-old scored last time out against Sheriff Tiraspol from a central position. Of his six strikes this season, five of them have come from his favoured left winger’s role. Numbers clearly show where the Englishman is most effective.
Rashford further adds that regardless of where he plays, Ten Hag’s plans appear to be for him to link up well with the forwards and score goals. Given that the overall role sees little change, it is clear to see why the player is not largely perturbed by his change of role.
“He wants us to do similar things in those positions, linking with the forward, trying to get close to the forward and ultimately make the box, and try and score more goals.”
A major takeaway is that Rashford is happy once again. The Englishman has always thrived on confidence and appears to have rediscovered the thrill of the game under Ten Hag. This augurs well for us going forward.
“I’m a lot more happy, I’m enjoying myself a lot more. I’m just looking forward to the games.”
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A reason why Ten Hag might be playing Rashford centrally is the lack of centre forwards at his disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo has been embroiled in too many controversies while Anthony Martial is largely injured.
There is little to be lost by trying out Rashford in a different role. However, time will tell if this is a temporary arrangement or something Ten Hag is seriously considering going forward.