Manchester United would do well to part ways with Marcus Rashford this January, given the recent developments concerning the player both on and off the pitch.
At the end of the 2022/23 season, Rashford was on top of the world. Scoring 30 goals in all competitions, the England international won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, topping off what was arguably his best campaign to date.
Sadly, his form tumbled last season. In 43 matches in all competitions, Rashford scored just eight goals while bagging five assists. (Transfermarkt)
Still, it was difficult to lay the blame squarely on Rashford, given the poor season that the entire squad experienced under Erik ten Hag.
But even for those fans who were willing to give Rashford more time to turn the ship around, patience is running out.
The 27 year old has consistently struggled to replicate his fine form from two seasons back. While four goals in 15 Premier League matches is a better goal-to-game ratio than last season, Rashford has consistently failed to show quality on the ball, with his dribbling and physicality far from satisfactory.
Rashford has completed just 26% of his dribbles while winning only 33% of his ground duels. His passing accuracy of 77% and long ball accuracy of 40% have also been underwhelming, especially since his role as a winger includes providing support to his teammates from the flank during attacking build-ups.
Even if he were to shift into a wing-back role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, it appears that he would not be up to the challenge. Rashford has made just 0.5 tackles per game while averaging only 0.3 interceptions. (Stats via Sofascore)
In contrast, fellow winger Amad Diallo has shown his ability to play as both a traditional winger and a wing-back. The youngster has averaged 1.6 tackles per match (more than triple that of Rashford) and 0.6 interceptions, double that of his struggling teammate.
Amad has also proven more clinical in his attacking role, with 52% dribbling, 84% passing, 46% long balls, and winning 53% of his ground duels. (Sofascore)
In recent days, the cracks in Rashford’s life at United have dramatically deepened. Amorim took the controversial decision to exclude Rashford from the squad that faced Manchester City, which was a crucial match for the club.
The United boss admitted that his decision was influenced by Rashford’s performances in training and perhaps his behaviour off the pitch as well.
Yesterday, The Peoples Person discussed Rashford’s recent comments on his future. Asked about whether he may leave United, Rashford replied: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next step.”
“When I leave, it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person,” he reportedly added.
While Amorim insisted during his latest pre-match press conference that Rashford helps to make United a better team, it might be time for the United manager to cut his losses and say goodbye to Rashford.
Although the club can be grateful for his many contributions, particularly during the 2022/23 season, past heroics will not improve United’s current predicament.
When there are rising stars such as Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho making waves, it becomes increasingly difficult to excuse Rashford’s underperformances. Amorim would do well to part ways with Rashford, instead putting his efforts into nurturing the next generation of United stars who will serve the club for years to come.
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
