History maker

Six years ago on the 25th February 2016, Manchester United, under manager Louis van Gaal, was preparing to face a tough home game against FC Midtylland, after trailing 2-1 from the first leg of the knockout stages in the Europa League. But an injury crisis, which saw 13 players [including youth team players] out injured, plus an unfortunate injury to Anthony Martial in the warm up, lead to a young 18-year-old Marcus Rashford being called into the starting line-up.

“I wasn’t worried about him,” said Dutchman Van Gaal. “He was the best option.”

He began his debut by sensationally scoring a brace in the 5-1 victory against Midtjylland. At 18 years and 117 days, the striker became Uniteds youngest ever goalscorer in all European competitions since George Best (18 years and 158 days) netted in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in October 1964.

Record breaker

In the following weekend fixture against Arsenal, he marked his Premier League debut bagging two goals and an assist. His outstanding performance earned him a standing ovation when substituted in the 80th minute at Old Trafford.

This debut double made Marcus Rashford the third youngest United goalscorer in the Premier league. With a performance to remember for Rashford, he was quickly becoming the talk of Old Trafford.

Juan Mata said, “Marcus is on fire.”

“I’ve seen some debuts but none quite like that,” said Michael Carrick “It is an unbelievable start for him.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was also impressed by the youngster.

“I am surprised by his movement and intelligence. He could be a very positive surprise for Manchester United.”

His meteoric rise in English football continued, as the records kept coming for Marcus Rashford, after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory against Manchester City. His goal gave United their first away win in the derby since 2012. In addition to this, he became Uniteds youngest ever scorer in the fixture in the premier league era. At aged just 18 years and 141 days, he broke Wayne Rooney’s by a year.

Opportunity taker

Rashford continued to play a vital role in the remainder of the season.

During the FA Cup sixth-round replay against West Ham United on 13 April, Rashford scored a fantastic curled goal in a 2–1 win to help United advance to the semi-final. Three days later, he scored the only goal of the game against Aston Villa. A goal which confirmed their relegation.

His breath-taking form, earned him a spot in the starting XI against Crystal Palace for the 135th final of the FA cup. A 2-1 victory gave United their 12th FA cup win. Rashford ended his domestic debut season with 8 goals and 2 assists in 18 appearances. Despite winning the FA cup, nothing could help to prevent manager, Louis Van Gaal from losing his job, due the fans growing frustration, as United finished 5th that season and only managed to score 49 goals. This result became their lowest total of goals scored in a season since 1989-90.

The excitement around Rashford lead to him being called up for England, and he made his debut against Australia at Wembley on the 27th of may 2016, scoring on his debut with a right-footed volley from a cross into the box by Raheem Sterling in the 3rd minute. Once more, the teenager is breaking records. This time it was one which Tommy Lawton held since 1938 as Rashford became the youngest of the Three Lions to score on their debut. Many people believed that the talented teenager was one which could reinforce hope throughout the England squad.

“There is no doubt I think I made the right decision putting him in this large group,” said Roy Hodgson. “The lad has enormous talent.”

Honours achieved in debut season

• FA Cup: 2015–16
• Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year: 2015-16

Change of manager

Many fans and pundits have debated which position suits the characteristics of Rashford’s play and whether he would suit being a winger or playing as a number 9. Traditionally, a winger is usually a player who has a great deal of pace and dribbling ability. Someone who is able to get to the by-line and put various crosses in the box. For years Manchester United have been struggling to find a player who seems comfortable playing on either side. Managers have had Rashford playing on the right side. This is because of his pace, skills, and ability to beat his man therefore he is better able to provide crosses into the box. But he is not as effective when deployed as an inverted winger.

By contrast when playing from the left, Rashford often struggles to get to the by-line and put effective crosses into the box. Whereas the potential to cut inside and shoot is enhanced when playing inverted from the left. Some of his most memorable goals have come from this position.

When Marcus Rashford plays centrally, he is exceptional at running in behind and scoring one v ones. His ability to turn and shoot from out of the blue is frightening for defenders and goal-keepers alike.

Stats

Throughout Jose Mourinho’s two years as United’s manager, Rashford seemed to struggle with a rigid style and defensive responsibilities. During this time he made 147 appearances, scoring 21 goals and 11 assists as a centre forward, 13 goals and 13 assists from Left-wing and scored 2 goals and assisted 2 from the right-wing. It is clear to see that Rashford is weaker playing on the Right hand side. Prompting Mourinho to comment

“I always thought his best position is when he comes from the left to the centre, not when he’s a clear number nine,” said Jose Mourinho. “I think when Rashford plays on the right he is completely lost. His dynamics on the right are totally broken, he doesn’t find it. He’s very good on the left, attacking spaces.”

During this period Manchester United regularly played with two holding midfielders, which isolated Uniteds forward players often receiving the ball with no support, especially with the options of passes within in the midfield, This meant that the forwards only choice was to beat their man, pass backwards or lose possession.

Under Solskjaer, Rashford tended to rotate between playing on the left and and right wing due to United having numerous forward-attacking players and soon Rashford was becoming more of a threat in front of goal under the new manager. Having scored 18 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances on the left in 2019-20 season. Whereas in the 2020-21 season he scored 11 goals and 8 assists in 31 appearances on the left. In comparison to scoring 6 goals and assisting 2 in 9 appearances on the right.

A tough two years.

Looking back on the past two years of Rashford seemed to be slowly losing his passion for football after many changes of the manager and the recent years of poor performances. Most notably would be the Euro 2021. Many of Marcus Rashford’s appearances came as a substitute with Saka and Sterling starting more. Rashford only managed to play 82 minutes in total throughout the competition.

Despite little game time, England Manager, Gareth Southgate, still had faith in him to take a crucial penalty as he brought Rashford and Sancho on substitutes in the last minute of extra time.

“We were well-prepared and started well but unfortunately the guys weren’t able to convert tonight,” he said. “They can’t look at themselves in terms of how they’ve practiced because they couldn’t have done that any more.”

Since losing the Euro 2020 final, Marcus Rashford hasn’t shown the same confidence in his performances. This can be shown in his attitude on the pitch with him sulking and having his head down after a pass or shot doesn’t go right for him. Some may argue that this is the result from the racist abuse he received after the Euros and how little belief he has in himself.

Similarly, the recent problems regarding United’s performances may also be effecting him. This could be because each individual player feels as though they should be the one to impact the game and get a result. As well as this, United lack a quality midfielder whose comfortable to keep the ball under pressure and is able to support the wide players by providing them with more options when they have the ball.

Summary

United failed to strengthen their team in key areas in both Mourinho and Solskjaer’s timea with weak and seemingly unnecessary signings, like van de Beek who cost £40 million, struggled to claim a place in the first team. United’s defensive style began to have an impact on the performance of the attacking players. The defensive shape and an obsession to control the game, caused United to play in a negative style. Boos regularly rang around Old Trafford and chants stating “attack, attack, attack,” as fans routinely voiced their anger with the poor attitude and style of play.