Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has shown signs of regaining his form and confidence of late
Much has been said about Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and his form since the start of last season.
The England international, like most of his teammates, royally struggled for form as the Red Devils endured a disastrous 2023/24 season that saw them finish eighth in the table and get eliminated from the Champions League group stages. He could only muster eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Things didn’t start well for Marcus Rashford in the opening three Premier League games of the new season. However, he has answered his critics in the best fashion possible since the last weekend. Our club’s N0.10 scored a fine goal in the 3-0 win over newly promoted Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, and since that goal, we have seen signs of a player being reborn.
The 26-year-old struck an eye-catching brace and supplied an assist in the Reds’ 7-0 smashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round in midweek to further boost his confidence ahead of a busy September schedule.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has welcomed the English forward’s return to goalscoring form. The Dutch tactician thinks “big guy” Rashford can determine how the Red Devils’ season unfolds.
“The goals not only have to come from Marcus Rashford,” Erik ten Hag said after the game against Barnsley (h/t The Athletic).
“We need more goalscorers but I know from my first season here when he scores then it’s easier for the team when you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals.
“Then it can make the difference. You can do a lot of things very good between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box.
“Confidence is a big part of it, it is not everything, there are also other parts but confidence is a big part and I think Rashford is a big guy. He’s scored so many goals, he’s one in the list of current United goal scorers, he is on top of it, so he is a big guy.”
To have Rashford back amongst the goals, fully fit, hungry, motivated and brimming with confidence are extremely positive signs for the player and the team. The Wythenshawe-born talent has been lacking confidence for a long time now, perhaps stretching back to the start of last season.
Luke Shaw’s perennial injury problems also influenced his form, with the England forward at his devastating best when our left-back is making those smart overlapping and underlapping runs. Having said that, however, it is good to see that the £300,000-per-week ace is back in form without the presence of Shaw.
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Next up for United is a trip to Selhurst Park, and with Crystal Palace not hitting the straps so far this season, we have a great opportunity to rock up to south London and avenge May’s depressing 4-0 defeat. And Rashford will be chomping at the bits as he looks to build on his confidence and goals on Saturday as well as guide us to all three points.
