Manchester United have countless problems to address this season but an ongoing slump for Marcus Rashford is one Erik ten Hag might not have envisaged causing him such a headache.
Rashford, 26, plundered 30 goals for United in all competitions last campaign while the England regular also made his mark at the mid-season World Cup in Qatar with three goals. Everything that Rashford touched for his club and country turned to gold, or goals, throughout last season.
Not so this. The misfiring Academy graduate continues to struggle at Old Trafford this term with one goal to show for his efforts from his 13 appearances in all competitions. Rashford is by no means the only concern for Ten Hag to deal with right now but United must try and get the best out of a player who is so crucial to their attacking output.
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Rashford was fundamental to United and their success last season and almost his entire 30-goal return came from his preferred left-hand flank. Despite his struggles this campaign, Ten Hag and his backroom staff know that is very much where Rashford plays his best football for club and country.
For large parts this season, Rashford has had to deal without his trusty partner down the left flank in Shaw while it has been a mixed bag when it comes to other positions. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes struck up a promising midfield combination last term and all remain capable of finding Rashford.
United have chopped and changed in their engine room due to selection restrictions or to try and atone for defensive question marks. That has in turn limited the supply line to Rashford when the forward has been sharp enough to make those trademark runs. A stable and creative midfield base is what Rashford thrives off and has seldom had this term.
One potential solution would be to shake up the tactical approach and go with a two-striker formation. When everyone is fit and available. In that scenario, United could get Rashford to play off £72million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund centrally and try to revive his fortunes in that way.
Rashford has not always shone when asked to lead the line, but he has rarely played in a front two and that might be worth trying to kick-start his season. He would certainly find himself in goal-scoring positions by default but the team would have to rely on two defenders first and foremost to provide him with service.
Manchester United have scope to replace Rashford directly with Garnacho.
But perhaps what is most important is trying to unlock the Rashford of last season, both on and off the pitch. United could take him out of the firing line and put Alejandro Garnacho into the side instead. However, while Garnacho may deserve a chance it might not be the best way to help Rashford thrive.
He is by no means the only player underperforming this season and to drop him could send the wrong message. Like all top-level players, Rashford relies on being in the right head space and Ten Hag managed him perfectly last campaign to inspire him to such a devastating return. It’s that mindset that player and manager need to find.
Rashford himself spoke in glowing terms only this summer about the impact the manager had on him. “He came to the club at the right time for me, the timing worked out,” he said in July.
Ten Hag might have been criticised for showing unwavering support to Rashford and refusing to drop him. That is perhaps valid in one respect, but the Dutchman and United know they have to tread carefully with Rashford as the England man is still capable of single-handedly turning things around.
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