It was a frustrating end to the 2021/22 season for Marcus Rashford. Aiming to put to bed his worst run of form, Rashford arrived at Selhurst Park only to be omitted from the squad after picking up an injury during the warm-up.
Few players last season cut as dejected a figure as Rashford and fans were quick to turn on their once-adored poster boy. But at just 24 years of age and with the introduction of an in-form, top-quality manager, there could yet be enough time for the United faithful to fall back in love with their local star.
Here's why 2022/23 could be a make-or-break season for Rashford ...
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Patience returns
Throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 season, fresh leaks would spring from the cauldron that was United’s dressing room. Ole Gunnar Solskjær deserves credit for his handling of a dressing room filled with poisonous egos and social media superstars.
The introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo, however, caused a full meltdown. Solskjær lost his job (also due to tactical disaster-classes), while Rangnick made little effort to win over his squad.
Internal pressure within the club peaked after Manchester United timidly fell out of the Champions League last 16 to Atletico Madrid. and Rashford snapped after exiting Old Trafford, needing to be pulled away after confronting taunting supporters. This was a rare loss of cool for him though, and he'll be making a fresh start under a fresh manager this pre-season.
Winning the fans back
United fans became immediately enthralled by the homegrown striker due to his intensity and desire. Debuting on in February 2016 against Midtjylland, Rashford may have netted a brace, but the youngster’s pulsating energy seemed special as it breathed life into a limp squad.
The Old Trafford faithful can forgive dips in form. A lack of hunger, however, is an insult rarely forgiven. At times last season, Rashford barely broke into a jog to cover ground across the field. Against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Rashford committed football’s cardinal sin. He gave up. Rather than attempt to latch on to a rebound, Rashford turned with his head bowed and leisurely jogged back to the left wing.
Ten Hag has to set about relighting Rashford’s love of the game, otherwise, the forward’s position at United is untenable. Ralf Rangnick’s rule with an iron fist failed to inspire Rashford. Ten Hag’s warmer man management will be vital in revitalising Rashford’s appetite and going some way to rebuilding the relationship with fans.
Injuries and proper management
For United fans, it would be beneficial to remember that Rashford ran himself into the ground for club and country over the 2020/21 season. Carrying a shoulder injury from November 2020, Rashford held off surgery until after the UEFA Euro finished in July 2021.
Rashford’s most recent dip in form could still be attributed to the lingering aftereffects of surgery. Ten Hag, an excellent man-manager, will have to balance Rashford’s desire for game-time alongside what his body can physically handle.
Decision-making in a demanding system
Gut-busting, driving runs defined Rashford’s early United playing days. Challenging defenders to a footrace down the touchline, Rashford created scenarios where his agility left opponents in a tangled mess.
Throughout 2021, whenever Rashford held the ball at his feet, the ball felt as good as lost. Rashford’s successful dribble statistics in the Premier League prove this. Notching just 0.9 successful dribbles per game across 2021/22, the stat pales next to previous seasons at 1.9 per game over 2019/20 and 2.2 per game over 2020/21.
Ten Hag most recently used Marcus Rashford on the left-wing in United’s first pre-season game against Liverpool. Although it wasn’t a stellar individual performance, there is little reason to nit-pick off one match - especially in a 4-0 victory.
Ten Hag’s preference for wingers to hold the width and stretch the opposition defence will create frequent 1v1 scenarios on the wing. Now, more than in any previous season, there needs to be a notable improvement to Rashford’s game. Ten Hag wants his fullbacks to flood the central areas, relying upon Rashford’s decision-making to press or pass.
At times last season, it felt as though Rashford was trying to force himself back into form by consistently taking the high-risk options. Rashford has always struggled with making snap decisions outside of the box, but these shortcomings were enlarged during his dire spell.
Playing under a manager who demands possession to be recycled effectively, Rashford cannot afford to recklessly take on his opposing defender. Ten Hag’s intricate passing system and movement off the ball will make or break Rashford.
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