When 18-year-old Marcus Rashford scored the winner against Manchester City in his breakthrough year of 2016, he lit up the Etihad with a beaming smile – and United would love that version of their poster boy for Sunday’s derby.
Rashford will know better than anyone that he has not been at his best this season, but his career statistics suggest this is not due to a lack of effort.
He has averaged 50 games per season for eight seasons, which is not possible without being sustainable.
He clearly has a strong mentality and the ability to be available despite physical discomfort and indifferent form. That’s quite rare among modern players.
His 128 goals for United represent a favorable ratio compared to English rivals Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, who are praised.
Marcus Rashford currently lacks confidence in himself and in Manchester United
However, Rashford is still the main weapon for Erik ten Hag against Manchester City on Sunday
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Obviously he looks frustrated at the moment, but I think there are footballing reasons for that. He was flying last season, with Luke Shaw on the left and Lisandro Martinez also providing quality service from that flank.
This season, Shaw and Martinez have often been injured, with Diogo Dalot, Sofyan Amrabat or Victor Lindelof deployed at left-back, and as a result much of United’s build-up has been difficult. Good teams dominate them and Rashford doesn’t see much of the ball.
I’m confident that if they played with last year’s consistency, he would be well into double figures again. He would if he played on the left for City, Liverpool or Arsenal.
Being asked to fill out to cover other injuries hasn’t helped either. The last few games where he replaced Rasmus Hojlund as striker have been tough for him.
Yes, Ten Hag has had a tough time with key players missing, but the very best managers find solutions, as Jurgen Klopp did in the Carabao Cup final.
Against City on Sunday, I would urge Ten Hag to use Rashford in his best position wide on the left, even if that means Bruno Fernandes playing as a false nine.
Body language is always mentioned when players are struggling. I certainly never saw Rashford as the most naturally exuberant on the pitch, but no one said it when he scored 30 goals last season.
Of course, Rashford can do more when it comes to the appearance of effort. Gary McAllister told me that when he was out of shape, he tried to run a little more, even if it was to change his mood, rather than for any immediate benefit.
If United played with the consistency they had last year, Rashford would be more productive
A return to the Etihad Stadium, where he scored in 2016, could rejuvenate Rashford
United are unlikely to win on Sunday, but that certainly won’t happen if Rashford isn’t at his best. He’s still their top weapon in my book.
He has not lost his ability and Gareth Southgate will include him in the England squad this month. For England he always seems to play with a freedom and dynamism that is lacking at his club. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?
A change of scenery could give him the lift to score again. Ten Hag has spoken to his players about the importance of appearing more positive and if that is the case, it hasn’t really worked so far.
My experience is that football players are better when they see instead of hear. Perhaps the United manager should have a series of video clips made showing them waving their arms or looking disapproving.
As a young player at Crewe I complained about a lot of things. They stopped the training and said to me: ‘Oh dear, Danny is unhappy again’. The penny dropped quite quickly.
Feeling pressure can affect your physical performance, which seems to be the case with Rashford
Fernandes is probably United’s worst offender during matches. You can tell he wants to win, but his histrionics won’t inspire the team.
For Rashford it is more a lack of confidence and belief that reduces his physical performance. Feeling pressure can affect your physicality.
Rashford has had his say this week as he feels he is being targeted. I’m not sure about that. The biggest factor in his nosedive is the way United play. Perhaps a return to the place of his triumph eight years ago will be a turning point.
