“I was out with that for four months. You can’t really do much, just rest and let it heal.” Robin van Persie warned Manchester United that Marcus Rashford may always have a “weak spot” after picking up a back injury.
Rashford picked up the back injury after being introduced as a second-half substitute in the midweek FA Cup third-round replay win over Wolves.
It was a dark path for Manchester United supporters as United struggled in front of goals and pace moving forward. Bruno Fernandes came in and lifted the team but Rashford was a miss during the time he was side-lined due to his injury.
Coronavirus outbreak came at the perfect time for Marcus Rashford to take his time and recover. As footballing activity came back gradually, it was expected that Rashford would pick up where he left before his injury but that was not the case.
Rashford vs. Wolves
Marcus Rashford Post-Lockdown
After lockdown, Rashford altered his playstyle by focusing more on his passing but he rarely utilised his pace in a direct manner.
He seems to lack confidence in driving and it could be a result of his back injury.
Psychologically, When you suffer particular injuries, the issue of second-guessing yourself comes up. You avoid certain actions out of fear. Rashford relies much on his pace and after his injury he barely runs at players.
Like Robin Van Persie stated while quizzed on Marcus’ injury.
“It is a difficult one because it always stays a little bit of a weak spot.”
“Such injuries results to lack of confidence and thus, non-productive”.
Since the restart only Kevin De Bruyne created more big chances than Rashford [Statman Dave].
Rashford topped our stats in the league (19/20) for Assists, Big chances created and expected assist (xA). He’s way more than ‘just a shooter’.
This season, he’s scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists. With goals in both of United’s most recent matches against Newcastle in the league and PSG in the Champions League. However, that does not mean Rashford’s overall game is that of a creator. Rather, he is still a shooter off the wing and will be crucial in whatever success United can achieve this season.
